Prime Minister Joseph Muscat this evening hinted that he would not shy away from a referendum on the ‘citizenships for sale’ scheme, insisting that he was never afraid of the people’s judgement.

Speaking during the debate on the OPM’s budget estimates Dr Muscat said that the law had already been passed by Parliament but a Legal Notice had to be issued before it came into force. The Prime Minister said that the government is willing to wait a little bit longer to try and seek agreement with the Opposition.

Both sides should seek guidance from Maltese and foreign experts. The government and the Opposition should seek an agreement on the scheme’s rules and regulations, but if they did not, the government would welcome the people’s verdict.

Earlier, DrJoseph Muscat insisted that the PN is voting against the budget measures from which families will benefit.

The Opposition voted against the unprecedented move of increasing stipends every year. It voted against free childcare for all and against the second decrease of income tax. It voted against the reduction of income tax for families and against

“I thought the PN would criticise our budget measures and suggest something better. However, in all sessions, the Opposition has been lost for words on this our first budget. The people have realised that we are in government to deliver on what we promised. The PN wants to change the subject to deviate the people’s attention from the budget.”

Dr Muscat said that the Opposition Leader first criticised the budget, then he said it included a number of positive measures. But in the end he voted against it. Dr Busuttil had accused him of being a salesman. But there was nothing wrong or shameful in being a salesman. “My job is to protect Malta’s reputation and create as many jobs as he can. And that is what I am doing.”

The government is investing in schemes that give a good return. Last weekend more than 28,000 people had crossed over to Gozo, more than in Santa Marija. This generated much needed economic activity in Gozo.

On health Dr Muscat said that the PN is afraid of what the John Dalli report will have to say about the health sector under the PN administration so it was “shooting the messenger.”

PN statement

In a statement issued tonight the PN said that will make itself available for talks with the government. The Opposition is ready to discuss changes to the IIP law as long as citizenship is not sold. The scheme should be linked to investment and a period of residency in Malta.