As the dust settled on Wednesday’s announcement by the Prime Minister to reverse the raise to MPs and ministers, Sarah Carabott took to the streets to gauge the public’s reaction.
Paul Stivala, 62, of Cospicua
I am undecided about this issue. I think MPs should get a decent pay for their parliamentary duties, however, the cost of living allowance should increase as well. I am not knowledgeable about the magnitude of the rise MPs merit but I am not against any increase both for them and for us.
Anthony Bugeja, 64, and his wife Lucia, 61, of Kalkara
Anthony: We have just spent the extra weekly €1 we got on onions. With the rise they got, MPs aren’t going to be affected with the increase in the cost of food. They do merit a salary but this should have been settled at the beginning of the legislature. MPs have enough money.
Lucia: The citizens merit a rise more than MPs do because €1.16 is too little for the high cost of living... €1.16 is a pittance.
Godfrey Caruana, 49,of Valletta
I don’t quite agree with the proposed increase considering the rise we are being given... In view of their job, they should be given a rise but not such a huge one.
Joshua Briffa, 19, of Marsaxlokk
To be honest I think Maltese citizens are making a huge fuss out of the issue. Compared to other countries, our economy is not doing so badly and I don’t think we need to panic so much. I agree they should be given a pay rise as it’s their business at the end of the day and they are doing their job.
Pam Borg, 54, and her husband Eddie, 63, of Gżira
Eddie: I am against the rise as originally proposed. As a pensioner, I am just getting €1.16 while MPs with multiple salaries will be getting about €600 . I do agree they should be given a rise, however, this should be done in relation to the economic situation.
Pam: I don’t think the rise is justifiable because a lot of the people can’t even afford to pay electricity and gas bills.
Doris Manicaro, 49, of Żurrieq
I think the rise was too much when compared to the small increase given to workers. If they are to be given a rise, I don’t think it should be as high as planned.
Vincent Fenech, 81, of Floriana
I absolutely disagree with the proposed change. First of all, although they’re going to receive €100 less, they’re still granted a rise. Why do MPs get two salaries during such an economic crisis? I was given €1.16 as a pensioner while MPs are being given all that money. Do you know how many poor people there are in Malta?
Caroline Esposito, 42, of Żurrieq
I think the revised proposal was justifiable because the increase was a bit too much. I think they do merit a rise, however, compared to the weekly rise granted to the public, the ratio of the pay increase was too high.
Ruth Spiteri, 36, of Luqa
I am quite happy with the changes proposed. If they revise the original proposal I think it would be good for everyone. The Maltese should get a higher increase. The MPs have enough money.
Antonia Tonna, 62, of Żebbuġ
The two parties should discuss the increase properly and resolve the issue. I am not knowledgeable about their revenue, however, if they do merit an increase, they should get it.
Carrie Taliana, 73, of Ħamrun
I am not satisfied with the proposal (of reversing the controversial MPs’ salary increase) because the public was granted a very low increase. I do agree they should be granted a rise but not as much as has been proposed.
Justin Micallef, 23, of Msida
I don’t think it was fair we were given €1.16 and MPs were initially granted €600. I think they should also consider other things such as the number of graduates and highly qualified individuals who cannot find a job. It’s good the University is welcoming more people but it seems people end up not finding a job once they’ve completed their studies. I think MPs are paid well enough... I imagine they do some other job besides being parliamentarians.