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AD welcomes MCESD strategy on cost of living
By MaltaMedia News
Jul 8, 2008 - 10:09:19 AM
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Alternattiva Demokratika – the green party, has welcomed the fact that the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development agreed to draw up proposals on how the government could ease the burden on families caused by the water and electricity surcharge and the general increase in prices.
Green Party spokesperson for Economic and Social Development Michael Briguglio said:'The cost of living in areas such as foodstuffs, energy and housing is resulting in heavy burdens on families, especially on low and middle income earners. Alternattiva Demokratika believes that in the first instance, the office of fair trading should be strengthened so as to combat inflation resulting from cartels. Above all, however, an active wage policy should be prioritised, aiming for wage increases, including the minimum wage, realistic compensation for inflation, and increased productivity. The latter requires better working conditions, for those in precarious conditions such as part-timers and workers on contract, but also for the thousands of full-time workers who are witnessing inferior working conditions and lower purchasing power'.
Michael Briguglio added that Government can finance expected budgetary shortfalls due to compensation for cost of living through increased productivity, increased taxation on companies making windfall profits because of their dominant position in the market, such as banks and gaming companies, and progressive fiscal policy.
AD Chairperson Arnold Cassola said that the tackling of the increased cost of living is one of Alternattiva Demokratika's priorities. "AD believes in an economic model which aims to balance economic, social and ecological factors. Through such a model, Malta can be productive and competitive, yet also socially just and sustainable. In the coming weeks we aim to meet governmental and civil society representative to discuss possible ways forward".
© Copyright 2008 by MaltaMedia.com
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Latest update:
Jul 9, 2008 - 12:23:57 PM CET
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