“The pension reform is a lengthy process which should not be rushed”. Dr Alfred Sant said this during a press conference in which the Malta Labour Party (MLP) outlined its proposals with regards to the reform.
The Labour parliamentary group is proposing that the political parties represented in the parliament guarantee a sustainable and adequate pension reform in the next electoral manifest for the next elections.
“In 2009, consultations on a national basis should be held with the citizens and all social forces involved followed by a conference together with experts and the publication of a White Paper,” Dr Sant said.
Another proposal put forth by the Labour parliamentary group is that in 2010, all political and social forces agree on the pension reform process which would then be implemented form 2011 onwards.
Dr Sant said that if the current government insists on going ahead with its proposals announced on the 1st March, the Labour Parliamentary group would vote against. Nonetheless, the group agrees on increasing the highest pension as from now by two thirds of the maximum pension income.
A Labour-led government would base its proposals for the pension reform on the principles of democratic socialism and social justice, the Labour Party leader stated.
The Labour group also said that it is improbable that a crisis in the sustainability in the current pensions system could occur before 2025/2030.
Meanwhile, the Nationalist Party (PN) reacted to the MLP press conference and said that the party’s position confirms the party’s political irresponsibility. Following years of discussions, the Labour Party wants to freeze the pension process while it does not commit itself about the issue, the statement read.
Although repeatedly invited, Dr Sant decided to absent itself from discussions and debates about the pension reform, the PN stated.
The PN called on the Labour Part to be clear about the pension reform.
See also:
MLP to take its time to discuss pensions
By Alexia Conti - May 30, 2006, 17:00 CET
See also:
Government's final proposals on pensions reform published
By Roseanne Sammut - Mar 1, 2006, 16:29 CET
