We support and join in the criticism that is being levelled against the government by the FORum Unions Maltin, General Workers’ Union, Alternattiva Demokratika, Labour Party and the Communist Party of Malta for cutting funds to organisations that work in the social sphere.

The withdrawal of funds to such services as carried out by organisations such as Inspire is a clear example that government is dumping its social responsibility. Żminijietna – Voice of the Left believes that these austerity measures are not justified, as the most negatively affected will be those most vulnerable.

This anti-social policy is intensifying this social chasm. It is clear that the government is giving more value to the building of the new Parliament, which is costing millions of euros, than to the real needs of the people.

Parents of children benefiting from the services like those provided by Inspire should enjoy the support of the state and, if necessary, expenditure cuts should be targeted against projects and schemes which make no social sense. The money voted to parents sending their children to private schools is a case in point.

The government should find alternative measures to bring finances in order by introducing progressive taxation measures, and we urge it to support the European Union proposal for a tax on financial transactions.