“The reality is showing us that this economic success that was so desired, brought with it other challenges. Challenges that we are making a mistake if we do not recognize them. Only then can you continue to bring about change, recognize the challenges, not be overwhelmed, then address them.”
This was the main message of Prime Minister Robert Abela during another consultation meeting, among a series, with the social partners in our country before the Budget for next year is announced. This time with the General Workers Union, in the Workers’ Memorial Building, the Prime Minister started by pointing out the importance of these meetings through which the Government consults.
In fact, in relation to the Budget for 2025, Dr Abela claimed that this is being drawn up even as the Government is recognizing the new realities of our country. Realities that came from the economic success that our country has achieved in recent years. Here Dr. Abela also mentioned the work that the Government embarked on to address these same realities, including realities that affect workers and their rights. These include the historic agreement to raise the minimum wage not only now but in the coming years as well, directives such as Work Life Balance and Transparent Wages and Predictable Working Conditions.
The Prime Minister also claimed how this government has started to address the realities of our country in areas such as those of temping agencies as this has now been regulated by a new law so that every agency must have a license to operate. This apart from noting how the Government also addressed the field of platform work through a Legal Notice that regulates this same field while spurring a review in a number of labor markets where it was found that there is no need to ‘ more foreign workers who are brought to our country to work in them.
Dr Abela also assured that again, the 2025 Budget will continue to increase pensions and give stability in energy prices. This is apart from the fact that the middle class in our country will be enjoying a strong reduction in the income tax rate. Measures that are all possible due to the economic strength of our country. “We still have a lot to do, but we have an ambitious work plan that will continue to push this country forward. I invite you to be with us because together I believe that we can deliver this plan and deliver it in the end for our people who we love so much,” concluded the Prime Minister.
Accompanying the Prime Minister for this meeting were the Ministers Byron Camilleri, Clyde Caruana, Clifton Grima, Jo Etienne Abela, the Parliamentary Secretaries Andy Ellul and Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, the Government Deputy Carmelo Abela and the Head of the Secretariat of the Office of the Prime Minister, Mark Mallia.
Photos (OPM)
