VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltese Finance Minister Clyde Caruana has warned of a looming demographic crisis, calling for urgent government action to halt the decline. Caruana said Malta faces the risk of demographic collapse unless “gigantic steps” are taken.
At the current rate, the number of Maltese citizens living in Malta could shrink from 400,000 today to 240,000 within 50 years, with 40% over the age of 65. “If the total population remains stable at around 600,000, it will mean the Maltese become a minority in their own country,” Caruana said.
“Sometimes I get angry at how we’re not even noticing this massive elephant in the room.” The minister criticised successive governments for only offering “peanuts” to tackle the issue, warning that the Maltese risk becoming a people of the past. “At this rate, we will one day say that there used to be Maltese people,” he added.
While holding back details until the Budget, Caruana has previously floated a new tax rate for parents with two children. He stressed, however, that incentives must reflect modern realities. “University research shows many families with one child would like a second, but their financial situation doesn’t allow it,” he said. “Life has changed, and if we think we can force people to change their lifestyles to have children, it will be the biggest mistake possible”.
-Photo IPA Agency-
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