By opposing the European Commission's proposed increase in maternity and paternity leave, the government has proven that when it comes to family policy, it is not ready to support progressive policies, Alternattiva Demokratika said.

Earlier this week, all member states, bar Belgium and Portugal, opposed European Commission plans to extend maternity leave by an extra six weeks, ruling out any possible compromise on the issue.

AD spokesman for social policy Angele Deguara said:

"It is a pity that once again the government has shown that protecting the interests of the private sector is more important than protecting the rights of workers."

Malta has the lowest labour market female participation rate in the EU and the lowest amount of maternity leave which is all paid by the employer.

The Government chose to bow to business pressure instead of supporting measures which would give both mothers and fathers more time with their family.

Such measures would encourage more women to remain in the labour market.

Ms Deguara said that, in other countries, the financing of parental leave was shared or borne by the state.

AD spokesman on EU affairs Arnold Cassola said that the opposition of most EU governments to the proposed increase in parental leave confirmed the conservative dominance of current governments in the EU.

"The Maltese government is, of course, always one of the first to join the bandwagon when it comes to opposing progressive proposals from the European Commission," he said.

AD chairman Michael Briguglio said:

"It is very unfortunate that the Nationalist government is not ready to go beyond rhetoric when it comes to progressive family policy.

"An extension of both maternity and paternity leave is essential for societies which emphasise a work-life balance.

"This is a key priority of the European Greens and AD for a more inclusive and socially just social policy," he said.