Even in the best of times, as Labour is so fond of calling the present time, the situation on the ground often presents a different picture to that painted by the authorities.
Economic indicators show the country is going through a boom. Yet, beneath the surface of the growing affluence and away from the planning boards that are bristling with plans for the building of high-rises, shopping malls and plazas, there lies a multi-faceted story that is often either ignored or only superficially dealt with.
This is the plight of those who live in poverty, or on the brink of poverty, and of the migrants who, through no fault of their own, may have found permanent or temporary shelter here but are not living in dignity. There is the also the predicament of the growing number of foreign workers who are being shamelessly exploited by irresponsible construction moguls who care little, if at all, for their welfare.
The Church’s Justice and Peace Commission and the Emigrants’ Commission shone a spotlight on these and other societal ills a few days ago. On the World Day of Social Justice, they analysed distressing trends being camouflaged, as it were, by the growing affluence displayed by people employed in highly-profitable sectors and by the surge of hedonistic tendencies that are increasingly using economic gain as a measure of success.
There is, of course, nothing wrong in generating wealth as it is through economic progress that the difficulties faced by those who are at the lower end of the economic ladder can be addressed. Social welfare improvements have been made but, away from the Prime Minister’s overblown description of the progress made, the situation is not as rosy as it may look at first. Sharp inequalities persist and there are swathes of people, including those on the poverty line and pensioners, who are not getting all the attention they deserve.
Often enough, budgetary measures fall far short of what is required to lift people from the difficult circumstances in which they live. As politicians indulge in endless controversies over poverty figures and administrative measures, those caught in difficult situations watch in disillusionment.
The two Church commissions did not quibble in their analysis. They said that, even though the country was enjoying a period of unprecedented economic growth, “there is ample evidence that poverty is real and that some among us are struggling to survive. In spite of our relative affluence, an increasing number of people are denied access to basic services and fail to find the support they need.”
One of their strongest points is that not all are benefiting equally from the wealth being generated and that, at this time of economic prosperity, there are many who live a life devoid of dignity and stability.
Two segments falling into this category are migrants who are granted protection and foreign workers who are forced to accept work at conditions that are quite inferior to those enjoyed by others.
The two Church entities pointed out that many of the migrants granted protection have been living here for years but, still, their access to citizenship is very limited. This contrasts sharply with those who are prepared to pay.
Wealth without social justice is like a luxury yacht without a compass.
This is a Times of Malta print editorial