‘Simplistic, If Not Banal’: Rosianne Cutajar Calls Out Lecturer’s Pet-Child Argument
PL MP Rosianne Cutajar has criticised economics lecturer Prof Rose Marie Azzopardi for “simplifying” Malta’s low birth rate problem when she urged parents to raise children instead of pets.
“It is a simplistic, if not banal, argument that diminishes the importance of such a complex topic with major social repercussions,” Cutajar said.
A few months ago, Cutajar urged the government to start paying parents to raise their children for the first year as an alternative to free childcare.
She now pointed out that mothers in other countries, such as Bulgaria, Sweden, the UK and Norway, benefit from a much longer maternity leave than Malta’s four months.
“I strongly believe in the importance of a mother (it could also be a father) to spend quality time with their children, at least in their first year.”
“Many mothers don’t hear their children speak their first words or see them take their first steps.”
Cutajar also called for more flexibility at the workplace to cater to the demands of parents.
“The reality is that some mothers aren’t even allowed to take unpaid leave once their maternity leave is over, which means they are forced to return to work once their child is four months old or risk losing their job.”
Malta’s birth rate, at an average of 1.08 births per woman, is the lowest in the EU.
How should Malta combat its low birth rate?
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