The National Strategy against poverty and in favour of strengthening social inclusion has come into force, a strategy with a vision for the next 10 years and which is based on 165 recommendations. Information about this strategy was given during a press conference, precisely on the day that commemorates social justice.
This strategy is part of the implementation of Malta’s Social Vision, and aims for everyone to live a decent and dignified life while ensuring that no one is left behind. This at the same time that Malta continues to have one of the lowest rates of people at risk of poverty and social exclusion in the European Union. The Strategy has a total of one hundred and sixty-five recommendations, all intended to ensure equal opportunities, strengthening people’s skills, solidarity with those most in need and dignity for every individual.
The strategy is built on five principles which are:
• Together we work for an inclusive environment where everyone can succeed and progress • Empowerment: Individuals are given the necessary resources and access to opportunities that lead to a better quality of life.
• Opportunity: Equal access to education, healthcare and employment, among other opportunities, is ensured.
• Solidarity: We offer every support to ensure that no one falls behind in society.
• Quality of Life with Dignity: We ensure access to basic needs without financial hardship, we continue to promote economic stability so that everyone can move forward.
The Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, Michael Falzon, stated that he is pleased with the results that our country has managed to achieve in terms of fewer people at risk of poverty and social exclusion, but stressed that much more remains to be done. “We have a detailed strategy in front of us that knows where it wants to go. We are committed to ensuring the adoption of this document through joint work between various Ministries and stakeholders, where the implementation of every page of it means a positive and real difference in people’s lives,” said Minister Michael Falzon.
Meanwhile, a committee has been set up that will be following the work of the various Ministries and will even be carrying out reviews in the years 2027, 2030 and 2035 in order to ensure the current social situation and realities.
Permanent Secretary Mark Musu stated that this national exercise is being carried out at the same time that Malta continues to have one of the lowest rates of people at risk of poverty and social exclusion in the European Union, with the national target of reducing poverty by 3.1% by 2030. The percentage of Maltese at risk of poverty or social exclusion was 19.8% in 2023, thus registering a decrease of 2.4% since 2015. When it comes to severe material deprivation and social exclusion, it results that from 2015 to 2023 this decreased from 20% of the population to around 8%, meaning that it decreased by more than half from what we had 10 years ago.
During the same conference, economist Aaron Grech and the Director General within the Ministry Alexia Vella also spoke, where they elaborated on Malta’s situation compared to other European countries and how it can continue to be strengthened through proactive, resilient policies shaped around elements of social and economic progress. The document of the National Strategy against poverty and in favour of strengthening social inclusion can be accessed here.
