The Partit Nazzjonalista is urging people to embrace solidarity throughout the entire year, not just at Christmastime.
While the festive season brings joy, gifts, and celebrations for many, it is also a difficult period for others who face loneliness, hardship, family struggles, or addictions. Suffering does not take a holiday.
During a press conference ahead of Christmas, Shadow Minister for the Family Albert Buttigieg and Shadow Minister for the Fight Against Poverty Ivan Bartolo called for concrete action to address these challenges.
They highlighted that loneliness has become a pressing issue in society, exacerbating mental health struggles and even contributing to cases of suicide, including among the elderly.
A recent study by the University of Malta’s Faculty for Social Wellbeing revealed that around 200,000 people in Malta experience loneliness, a problem particularly felt during the holidays.
To address these concerns, the Partit Nazzjonalista proposed appointing a Parliamentary Secretary and Commissioner for Loneliness, reopening currently closed night shelters, and strengthening services that provide companionship to the elderly.
They also stressed the need to support local broadcasters, who face financial burdens, to ensure ongoing service to the community.
Solidarity, they argued, must go beyond seasonal donations or gifts—it should become a mindset and a commitment to building a more inclusive and supportive society.
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