Social Reform Act of 2024

“Requiring large employers to publish their gender pay gaps is a reasonable step, but workers must still be able to challenge unequal pay themselves. Whistleblowers also need real protection. Nobody should have to risk their job just for reporting wrongdoing. Water is a basic necessity, and municipal ownership gives communities more direct control over an essential service. Reciprocal visa-free travel can also make sense where both sides benefit. I do have concerns about imposing on-the-spot fines on cyclists and passengers. Road safety matters, but penalties need to be proportionate. We should be careful that people on low incomes aren't hit hardest by fines they can least afford.”

“ADFR supports the proposed reform as it is a reasonable balance of individual rights and sensible regulation: this isn't bureaucracy but transparency and anti-corruption measures all democratic States should implement. That said, concerning water, we oppose giving municipalities a monopoly: private providers can operate under price regulation, whilst competition and oversight can help limit costs and reduce opportunities for political patronage and corruption. Essential services need accountability, not necessarily public ownership. For this reason, we announce our vote in favour of the package, but also that we'll soon try to repeal the water supply ownership regulations.”

“These measures would expand regulatory burdens and state control without sufficient justification. Mandatory reporting requirements, expanded whistleblower provisions, stricter entry rules, public ownership of utilities, and additional fines would increase bureaucracy and costs. Existing protections should be maintained while avoiding unnecessary intervention in private enterprise and everyday life.”