Prime Minister Robert Abela launched the Social Plan for the Family 2025-2030: a strategic policy framework designed to support and empower families in all their forms.
This comprehensive plan sets out the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for families and promoting stronger family units across the Maltese society. The plan addresses a broad spectrum of priorities, including targeted assistance for vulnerable families, and measures to promote stronger family relationships, particularly by encouraging more quality time together. It also places emphasis on discussions with social partners on extending maternity and paternity leave. Another key pillar of the plan focuses on the holistic education and healthy upbringing of children, as well as the enhancement of Malta’s fertility rate. Over the next five years the government will implement more than seventy policy actions, targeted to further support all family units.
During the launch event, Prime Minister Robert Abela noted that the plan marks the first set of targeted measures aimed at enhancing fertility rates. He emphasised that the government is addressing this issue holistically through a range of actions, including improved working conditions, affordable housing, fairer tax rates, enhanced social benefits, a better natural environment for families to enjoy, and improved access to healthcare and medical treatments.
Prime Minister Robert Abela also referred to the ongoing reform within the Family Court, underlining that provided it is not harmful to children, they should have equal access to both parents. He emphasised the importance of preserving and strengthening family bonds even in challenging circumstances. In addition, the Prime Minister noted the government’s intention to incentivise and reward businesses that adopt family-friendly workplace measures, helping employees achieve a healthier balance between professional and family life.
Referring to Malta Vision 2050, the prime minister underscored the importance of fostering stronger, more resilient families for the future. He expressed satisfaction that work on many of the proposed measures is already underway, while additional initiatives are being integrated into the planning of the upcoming national budget.
The prime minister also highlighted that between 2014 and 2023, government expenditure on social benefits, both contributory and non-contributory, rose by 53%. This increased investment was accompanied by a significant decline in the number of individuals relying on social assistance, which was halved between 2013 and 2024. Dr Abela affirmed that this level of support is a direct outcome of Malta’s sustained economic growth and is a testament to the country’s inclusive model, ensuring that more people, especially the most vulnerable, benefit from national prosperity.
The prime minister remarked that our country is built on the strength of its workers and its families hence the investment being made by the Government in families is an investment in our country’s prosperity.
Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon explained that the plan aims to address the evolving realities faced by families, including challenges that are not solely financial. He noted, “This policy is the product of extensive work, shaped by the lived experiences of children, adults, and even grandparents, who all play a vital role in raising the younger generation.” He further emphasised that the implementation of this document is now the most critical phase, essential to delivering the social momentum needed to strengthen families and encourage more people to start a family.
