VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A week after unveiling a budget focused on social measures, the Maltese Government has announced a public consultation on extending maternity and paternity leave.
Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue Andy Ellul said the discussions, set to begin in 2026, form part of the 2026 Budget’s commitment to improving work-life balance. He added that the talks will also explore ways to strengthen parental leave, currently four months—two of them paid—and extend this entitlement to self-employed parents.
Ellul noted that the Government will hold forums next year to discuss expanding remote working across various sectors, stressing the need to help parents balance family responsibilities with professional demands.
“Through social dialogue with all relevant stakeholders, we will continue to strengthen measures that support a better work-life balance,” Ellul said.
The Parliamentary Secretary also announced plans to expand the leave donation fund for public sector workers. The scheme, which allows employees to donate unused leave to colleagues in need, will now include public service employees who have recently become parents.
Minister for Social Policy Michael Falzon said the initiative aims to ensure workers can enjoy quality time with their families. He added that social spending for 2026 will total €2.6 billion—€120 million more than last year’s—underscoring the Government’s commitment to supporting families.
“Every budget must respond to social realities,” Falzon concluded, “and this one does so by focusing on those who need it most.”
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(ITALPRESS).
