Opposition proposes €5,000 Child Trust Fund for every newborn
Fund would grow annually and be accessible at ‘important moments’, the leader of the opposition says
Opposition leader Alex Borg on Monday proposed a Child Trust Fund, set up by the government, that would allocate €5,000 to every child upon their birth.
The sum of money put in the trust would grow gradually and become accessible to the child later in life.
Borg's proposal was one of 50, which he announced in his reaction to the government's budget.
“This Child Trust Fund is a long-term investment in Maltese and Gozitan children. A structured means through which the State demonstrates solidarity with every new generation,” Borg said.
The proposal envisions an annual growth of the fund, although Borg did not clarify what would constitute an “important moment” at which the child could withdraw the money.
“With this, it is not simply a one-time benefit, but rather a foundation for the future,” he said.
The Opposition leader also outlined several family-oriented measures, including a pilot project and consultation with social partners on the introduction of a four-day working week.
Borg proposed incentives for private companies to offer teleworking, reduced and flexible hours, as well as transposing such practices within the civil service. He also suggested tax incentives for companies that provide childcare centres on their premises.
On transport, Borg called for the implementation of a mass transport system to address road congestion.
He also proposed the use of artificial intelligence systems to coordinate traffic flow and investment in roads that support multiple modes of transport. A comprehensive study of the country’s traffic bottlenecks, followed by targeted infrastructure projects, was also recommended.
Taking a dig at the disagreement between the Finance Minister and Prime Minister on the mass transport system, Borg said: “We know people are working against you, but we know you are ready to work together and get rid of traffic!”
Turning to the environment, Borg criticised the government’s efforts as superficial.
“Besides marketing stunts and greenwashing, we haven't seen anything. Where are the open green spaces in our village? From Project Green to Project Fail.”
He proposed a nationwide afforestation and ecological restoration programme, as well as extensive urban greening projects.
He also questioned why the government’s budget speech made no mention of climate change.
“How did they not mention climate change once? It’s meant to be the best budget, but there was no mention of climate change.”
Borg also called for a winter water storage project for year-round agricultural irrigation and significant investment in renewable energy to lower utility bills.