Ramona Attard Calls for Greater Support As Malta Faces Low Fertility Rates

Labour MP Ramona Attard has highlighted the urgent need for policies that better support families, as Malta continues to record one of the lowest fertility rates in Europe, with just one child per woman.

Attard warned, “If we do not act, Malta’s population could decrease by 25%, But let’s be honest these numbers alone will not encourage partners to have more children.”

Attard emphasised that addressing the issue is not solely a matter for women but a shared responsibility between women and men. She cited feedback from citizens pointing to challenges such as short maternity leave, limited work-life balance, and pressures on families when children fall ill after beginning childcare. Currently, maternity leave in Malta lasts 18 weeks above some EU countries but below the EU average.

“We need to move beyond traditional maternity leave towards a system that can be shared between both parents,” she said.

Attard acknowledged that the government has made significant investments in supporting families, including free childcare centres, increased child allowances, free public and school transport, and incentives such as free IVF treatment.

“However, now is the time to consider the next steps,” she added, suggesting longer parental leave and improved work-family balance as potential measures to support couples in raising children.

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