A parliamentary debate on social security measures saw government and opposition MPs discuss pension levels, disability support and the rising cost of living, with Social Policy Minister Michael Falzon noting that next year's budget allocates €2.6 billion for the sector.

Shadow Minister for Social Security Graham Bencini questioned whether the measures announced in the budget adequately reflect the realities faced by families and older adults. He argued that while increases may appear substantial on paper, they do not keep pace with the rising cost of living, leaving pensioners struggling to maintain a basic standard of living in the current economic climate. Bonnici noted that the €10 weekly pension increase includes the COLA, meaning the actual additional amount is €5.34, which he described as too limited to provide meaningful change.

Bencini also emphasised that structural issues within the system require long-term reform rather than incremental adjustments. He said pension rates remain out of line with today's cost-of-living pressures and insisted that reforms must better address the needs of individuals with chronic conditions, including long COVID, fibromyalgia and adult autism. He reiterated that eligibility assessments should be modernised to reflect the lived realities of patients who struggle under criteria he described as outdated.

Nationalist MP Albert Buttigieg focused his contribution on the socio-economic challenges facing children, stressing that equal opportunities at birth cannot be guaranteed for all families. He supported the proposed investment fund for children born in Malta, saying it could provide long-term financial security for those from more vulnerable households. However, he noted that financial measures must be paired with educational support, family stability and community outreach to genuinely improve children's prospects.

Buttigieg added that inequalities often begin within the home, with some children lacking access to stable routines, academic support or adequate living conditions. He argued that social policy must target these root causes and avoid creating a divide between those who can rely on family support and those who cannot. He said a child's early environment shapes their future more than any single financial measure.

Minister Falzon, meanwhile, highlighted what he described as the government's long-term commitment to strengthening social protection through consistent annual improvements. He pointed to successive pension increases since 2015, which he said have collectively raised the pension above the rate of COLA, alongside initiatives such as free childcare and transport, in-work benefits and the removal of income tax on the minimum wage and pensions. Falzon said these measures contributed to lowering material deprivation among older adults and increasing female participation in the workforce.

Falzon outlined several upcoming initiatives for 2026, including enhanced support for adoptive parents, foster carers and individuals who care for relatives at home. He noted that the annual carer's grant will exceed €4,000 for the first time and emphasised ongoing reforms to disability assessments, which he said are being updated to reflect international standards. He also highlighted the expansion of FSWS services, domestic violence support structures and free drug rehabilitation programmes such as those offered through Caritas.

While acknowledging the disagreements raised by opposition MPs, Falzon insisted that the government is focused on long-term inclusion and stability. He said social policy is fundamentally about ensuring dignity and participation for all individuals, adding that the continued investment in pensions, children's support, disability services and community-based welfare will remain central to the government's objectives. Opposition MPs argued, however, that despite various improvements, many families continue to face financial strains that require more ambitious and targeted reform.