It is a puerile argument to say that while the benefit of EU funds is reaped by Maltese people, we will not be enjoying any benefit from the citizenship scheme because foreigners can buy passports and leave, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said today.

Replying to journalists’ questions following a Cabinet meeting, which took place at the Imperial Band Club in Mellieha, Dr Muscat explained that many road contractors are foreign and so one can argue that the money from EU funds goes to foreigners however, Maltese citizens ultimately enjoy the good roads. The investment from those granted citizenship will be enjoyed by Maltese people.

Local councils of the north region, who attended the Cabinet meeting this morning, had an enormous shopping list of projects that need to be done but would take 15 years to be carried out according to predictions of economist Karm Farrugia, Dr Musat said. But such development can take place within a relatively short time.

The projects mostly mentioned include road works, community centres, and improvement at housing estates. All projects costs money and the government is committed to carry them out in the coming future, Dr Muscat noted.