Abela outlines quality of life targets at MCESD meeting

The government’s priorities for the new legislature are stronger economic growth, higher productivity, improved working conditions and better quality of life, the prime minister told the social partners at a meeting of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development.

It was the first MCESD meeting since the May 30 election.

Robert Abela said the forum has worked hand in hand with the government to ensure economic stability and safeguard families and workers during challenging times. Social dialogue had helped the country maintain economic stability and protect families, employers and workers from rising costs.

The government, he said, wanted to maintain economic growth while improving the quality of life. Measures planned for this legislature include improvements to maternity, paternity and parental leave.

However, he said such changes must be introduced in a way that does not undermine productivity.

Abela said the government would use the first 100 days of the legislature to send “a clear signal” that it would continue implementing reforms while strengthening social dialogue.

On her part,  MCESD chairperson Maria Micallef said the implementation of Vision Malta 2050 is crucial for Malta to move forward.

She said that while there may have been moments of disagreement, the forum and government always respected each other's different opinions and worked towards improving the country's growth and stability.

Micallef said the main themes the government must address are productivity, use of new technology, transport and infrastructure, a sustainable environment and the improvement of the wellbeing of society.

During the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Ryan Spagnol outlined several government targets for the legislature. One of the main aims, he said, is to improve the country’s overall wellbeing by 25%.

Other targets include reducing public debt from 46% to 40% of GDP by 2030, keeping unemployment among the lowest in the eurozone and increasing the share of businesses using artificial intelligence to 40%. Currently, around 30% of workers use AI tools for their job.

The meeting was also attended by European Funds Minister Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Electoral Programme Implementation Minister Omar Farrugia, and Principal Permanent Secretary Tony Sultana.