Whilst government propaganda in Malta has focussed on the belief that we are living in the best times that the country has ever seen, with significant wealth and money flowing around the country, recently-published statistics show a different scenario which is in deep contrast to the idea that we are all collectively well off, ADPS chairperson Sandra Gauci said.

"The Prime Minister may view a growing economy as a means of creating wealth, but in reality, it is creating poverty. We cannot turn our gaze the other way and pretend that this is not happening.  The government needs a reality check and realise that an economy based on cheap labour and the creation of low-paid jobs is creating wealth for the few.  The numbers do not lie, and they show that the poverty in a densely-populated country heavily congested with construction activity and traffic, all this for the benefit of the very few," she said in Valletta on Saturday.

There is a need for a change in the direction that the economy is taking by creating quality jobs that have quality pay.  The people and this country cannot take the current situation anymore.  We want a living wage with which you can live, cost of living adjustments every six months and more job and training opportunities which will allow you to develop your skills for work to progress. 

This is the only way for us to truly see and experience the wealth that has been touted as the miracle of the decade.  We want this wealth to be enjoyed by everybody, especially the vulnerable and poor. So far, the vulnerable and poorly have been ignored and forgotten.  Not only that, but the numbers are on the increase, Gauci said, calling for a change of direction.