Archbishop urges action on wages and housing in Vision 2050
'An instrument of hope, an answer to difficulties society is facing' - Mgr Charles Scicluna
The Archbishop has appealed the government to ensure its Malta Vision 2050 policy document addresses the urgent needs of Maltese workers and the affordable housing crisis.
In a meeting with Economy Minister Silvio Schembri, archbishop Charles Scicluna said the policy needs to “urgently address” the rights of many workers in Malta who are not making ends meet.
While welcoming the emphasis on quality of life, Archbishop Scicluna stressed that concrete social measures are needed to achieve this goal.
He pointed out that one of the main challenges faced by young people in Malta is that the quality of life as it currently stands is preventing them from building a family in a house they can afford.
He highlighted the inequality in wages and how the pension and monthly wage of many people in Malta is as much as what some individuals are paid in just one day.
The archbishop also touched upon the “serious demographic crisis” with low fertility rate threatening the cultural continuity and sustainability of Maltese society.
"Vision 2050 should take care of young couples. May it be an instrument of hope and an answer to the difficulties that Maltese society is facing. The Church is committed to continuing to help the State for a better quality of life, particularly with regard to human dignity,” Archbishop Scicluna said.
In response, Schembri explained that the third pillar of Vision Malta 2050 sets out the need to increase investments in order to enhance culture and historical aspects, adding that the measurement of the country’s success will no longer be calculated on GDP but on quality of life.