Social Policy Minister Michael Falzon this morning welcomed Eurostat data which showed that between 2013 and 2016 the number of people at risk of poverty in Malta dropped by 14,000, down to 85,000.

Furthermore, during the period under review the number of materially deprived persons was halved from 39,000 to 19,000.

Addressing a news conference Dr Falzon remarked that these figures were significant as they signalled a change in trend, as until 2013, poverty was on the rise.

He said that the average rate of poverty in Malta in 2016 was 3.5 per cent below the European average.

The Social Policy Minister added that these results were not a fluke but testament to government’s efforts to support the most vulnerable in society.

Moreover, he said that indications for 2017 were also positive. The next batch of Eurostat data is expected to be released later this month, the minister said.

In a tweet Prime Minister Joseph Muscat yesterday commented that these results were in line with government’s policy of “prosperity with a purpose”.

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