Election years see decrease in number of complaints as governments double effort - Ombudsman

Election years inevitably decrease the number of complaints received by the Ombudsman’s office as the party in government doubles its efforts to realise its electoral programme, in an effort to satisfy the aspirations and needs of constituents, Ombudsman Anthony Mifsud noted in his annual report for 2017.

“As has been pointed out on previous occasions, it is inevitable that during the time leading up to an electoral test, the party in government doubles its efforts to realise its electoral programme in an effort to satisfy the aspirations and needs of constituents,” the report read.

“An approach that is sustained by the party returned to power that is expected by the electorate to keep promises made especially when these refer to providing remedies for perceived injustice.

“There should be no cause for alarm or reason for negative comment if there is a healthy reduction in the number of cases as a result of intensified efforts by the public administration in a wide sense, to see to the needs of citizens. This even if done with a personalised approach and in the proximity of elections, so long as the administrative action is taken within the parameters of existing laws and regulations.”

In the year under review, the Office of the Ombudsman handled 520 cases, a decline in the cases received of 7% from 2016 (557 cases). 168 cases remain open.

The secretary of the Anti-Poverty Forum (APF), ANDRE BONELLO, feels that everyone in society deserves at least 60 per cent of the average income in order to feel included and part of society. Interviewed by Rebecca

Iversen, Bonello gave an insight into the social repercussions of Malta’s booming and rapid economic development, directly linking the huge rise in prices of the rental and housing market to those struggling to make ends meet. Who are those who are suffering the most in Maltese society?

Those suffering most are the groups and people who society leaves behind. Society is like a box and it can be looked at through different angles. In today’s society we have all types of groups and people, including single parents, migrants, disabled, elderly, teenagers, drug addicts and of course those in poverty.

Single parents are a particular group in society that are feeling the repercussions. Although they receive benefits which are necessary and helpful many are still struggling. Particular cases are those single mothers who are now approaching their fifties. Having recently divorced and with their children becoming teenagers and adults, benefits from the government have stopped, and these women feel like they been hung up to dry. These housewives, who previously relied on their partners for income, do not know the world of work and are left jobless without the necessary skills to work, and truly in a situation of near poverty for some.

What has been the impact of Malta’s very fast developing economy on poverty, social justice and human development? What effects have the rising rental and housing market left on such issues?

It is no hidden secret that Malta’s economy has become very attractive, to foreigners in particular, especially the gaming sector, financial services and tourism. These sectors dominate the economy and employ mostly foreigners.

Whilst the median wage in Malta is roughly €18,000, the media wage for foreigners working in these sectors is closer to €25,000 and more. What effects is this having on society? It is plain and simple - a problem everyone is becoming aware of is the rising rent prices because of the increased demand and because these workers can afford higher rents, whereas many Maltese cannot. The statutory minimum wage in Malta every month is €747 and now we have a situation where landlords are asking for €700 a month for a simple one bedroom apartment. This is happening every day and it’s real.

We are seeing a new reality where people are renting garages for the same amount of money a one-bedroom apartment cost two years ago. The younger generation are going to find it near impossible to access the housing market as it is.

It’s the duty of NGOs, the government and the opposition to understand that Malta cannot continue on this unsustainable route. Therefore it is key to identify the people who are struggling and to tackle the issues they are facing.

Reports indicate that there has been an increase in homelessness and an increase in demand at homeless shelters. Is homelessness really on the rise?

Demand these days comes not only from Maltese nationals, but more from European citizens, particularly those from Eastern Europe, and non-EU citizens who are in Malta.

For example we meet many Italians who, due to Italy’s high unemployment rate move to Malta and find a job but find that the rental prices here are so high that they cannot afford accommodation. Homelessness is Malta is becoming a reality that we are not used to. As long as the demand for property continues, the numbers of those who are homeless will too.

What are other indirect consequences of poverty in Malta?

What’s interesting is that although these people in society have so little, it does not mean they won’t gamble it just out of sheer desperation. And how can you blame them? When you are in that situation the idea and hope of winning an amount of money that could change your life is a good enough reason to spend all you’ve got trying.

Playing the lottery is gambling and it is a problem that is quite noticeable in Malta. There are some people who will literally have just €20 to their name and will still play them on the lottery or a slot machine.

The side effects of poverty are numerous but another one is mental health. Depression and paranoia are health issues that can be linked to poverty. People facing the possibility of hunger or debts are more likely to suffer from common mental disorders. This is a vicious and cyclical cycle with mental health problems, leading to poverty, and with poverty leading to mental health problems.

There has been a general notion of an increase in the cost of living and in particular food prices. What effects do you believe these have had on poverty and society in general?

Yes, rising food prices is a factor in poverty. In Malta it is no coincidence that the 16% inflation in food prices in the last 4 years has had a direct impact on poverty. There are supermarkets out there with affordable prices, but some of them are quite inaccessible if you don’t have a car. The rapid growth in the economy will obviously lead to such changes and therefore, those at the bottom will also feel it more.

What effects have consumerism and materialism had on Malta’s society?

I remember one young mother who came to the EU food bank a few years ago. She was all dolled up, in full make-up, hair, nails,

the works. Being quite young and naïve I asked her why, if she looked the way she looked, she was begging for food at a food bank. She replied that being a young mother struggling to work and taking care of her children meant she was not well off. But what struck was me that she put on the makeup and did her nails because she couldn’t stand waking up in the morning and looking in the mirror feeling poor. Without those she thought people would know she was poor and she just wanted to be accepted.

We often judge people and think that if, say, someone has a smart phone that they cannot be poor. Sometimes we make wrong assumptions. Some of these people might be poor but they will still buy things they cannot afford in order to fit in within our consumerist society. As a society it is our duty not to judge people just because they are less well off than us.

Society has so many perceptions and it begins in the way we bring up our children. Kids are brought up to be scared of homeless people just because they look a different, when really we should be teaching them the opposite. The government and the state of course have a stake in poverty but what role do we have as the individuals to not judge these people based on the way they look?

What about poverty among teenagers?

We are living in a society where you truly cannot really integrate if you don’t have money. And for teenagers the pressure has never been heavier. No one feels comfortable now without a new outfit, or the latest mobile. Social events cost money - every birthday means dinner, drinks and presents.

How can those teens who are low income earners, or who come from low-income families, enjoy their university days like the more fortunate ones? The number of high school drop outs in Malta is high for a reason.

What role and relationship do NGOs have with government in beating poverty and other social injustices?

Government is a big stakeholder in the social aspect and as NGOs we offer unbiased views coming directly from the people who are vulnerable in society. The message that there are problems is being received by government and this can be seen in the efforts to improve the minimum wage and offences for minors carrying drugs for example.

However the most important issue on government’s agenda needs to be the housing rent boom. We need to make sure that low income earners are also benefiting from this boom. Government needs to act quickly on the rising rent market but of course there has been collaboration with the government on homeless shelters, for example.

I always advocate for more studies and the setting up of a poverty watch in order to understand how poverty is developing in Malta and how to tackle it.

Poverty in terms of statistics has decreased but those who are in poverty are suffering more than ever. We need to help them to adjust to this boom. Everyone has the right to and deserves at least 60% of the overall median income, so that they can feel included in society.

The government needs to keep listening and believing in NGOs and in the work that they have achieved because, at the end of the day, these NGOs are the ones who are on the ground, experiencing and listening to those most vulnerable.