PN’s Pension Promise: €650 Rise and €2,000 ‘Grandparent Grant’ – What Malta’s Seniors Need to Know

Malta’s senior citizens, many of whom have been feeling the pinch of rising living costs, have received a glimmer of hope with the Nationalist Party’s (PN) recent electoral promises. The PN has pledged a significant €650 increase in the state pension and a one-off €2,000 ‘grandparent grant’ if elected in the next general election. But what does this mean for Malta’s seniors, and how likely is it to become a reality?

€650 Pension Rise: A Much-Needed Boost?

Malta’s state pension currently stands at €330 per month. The PN’s proposed €650 increase would bring it up to €980, a substantial boost that could make a real difference to many pensioners’ lives. The PN has also promised to index-link the pension to inflation, ensuring it keeps pace with the cost of living.

For 75-year-old Malta resident, Joseph Xuereb, who lives in the historic town of Mdina, the proposed increase would be a welcome relief. “I’ve seen the cost of basics like bread and milk go up, but my pension hasn’t changed,” he says. “An extra €650 would help me manage my bills and maybe even treat myself to a nice meal out once in a while.”

€2,000 ‘Grandparent Grant’: A One-Off Windfall?

In addition to the pension increase, the PN has promised a one-off €2,000 ‘grandparent grant’ for each grandparent caring for a grandchild under the age of 18. This could provide a significant financial boost to many families, helping to offset the costs of childcare and other expenses.

For Maria Camilleri, a 68-year-old grandmother from Birkirkara who cares for her two young grandchildren while their parents work, the grant would be a lifeline. “I spend a lot of my own money on the children, on things like school supplies and outings,” she says. “€2,000 would make a huge difference to me and my family.”

Will the Promises Become a Reality?

The PN’s promises are, of course, subject to the party winning the next general election. The date of the election has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be held sometime in 2023. The PN is currently in opposition, and the ruling Labour Party has not yet responded to these specific promises.

the PN’s proposals would require significant government investment. The party has not yet specified how it would fund these increases, but it has hinted at plans to review government spending and identify areas for savings.

For now, Malta’s seniors can only wait and hope that these promises become a reality. “We’ve heard promises before,” says Joseph Xuereb. “But we’ll keep our fingers crossed that this time, things will change for the better.”