A country’s success is not defined by economic growth alone. What really matters is how that growth improves people’s everyday lives.

To bring this vision to life, the Labour Party is proposing a Wellbeing Index. The idea is simple but important. Instead of focusing only on economic figures, the index will measure, in a clear and practical way, how policies are improving the lives of people across Malta and Gozo.

The index looks at 10 key areas that shape daily life, including health, housing, income, education, work, the environment and social protection. These are not abstract concepts. They reflect what people experience every day, from the quality of their surroundings to their financial security and overall wellbeing.

Crucially, each area is directly linked to concrete proposals, ensuring that progress is not just promised but measured. This makes the system transparent, fair and focused on real outcomes.

One key area within the index is social protection, with a strong emphasis on supporting pensioners. At the centre of this is a clear and tangible commitment: pensions will increase by €50 per week over the next five years, including cost-of-living adjustments. This means a steady rise of €10 each year, giving older people greater financial stability and peace of mind.

The system will also become more flexible. Couples will be able to share up to five years of unused contributions, helping more people qualify for a pension, even if their individual contributions fall short.

Further support is planned for widows and widowers. By 2027, reforms will ensure they receive the full pension of their deceased spouse. Those who lost their own pension after becoming widowed will also benefit from a 20% increase, recognising the financial challenges they face.

Practical measures will also support everyday decisions. Pensioners who choose to downsize their home will benefit from incentives, including savings of up to €15,000 when purchasing a smaller property.

Together, these proposals mark a clear shift in focus. They move beyond economic growth alone and place people’s wellbeing at the centre of national progress.
Watch the short reel below for an overview of these pensioner-focused measures.