Government whip and Cabinet spokesman Carmelo Abela said that the government will not accept to host people who have been dismissed from their country and pose a threat to national security.

Addressing journalists to outline the government’s work and plans for the coming months, Mr Abela said that the government is not prepared to disclose information that could affect the national interest.

But the government will not give refuge to people who were dismissed from their country, he said, in reference to reports that former PM Ali Zeidan was residing in an apartment in Xemxija.

On other matters, Mr Abela said that the presidential palace in Valletta will be the focal point of Malta’s presidency of the European Union in 2017.

He said the government will be announcing schemes to encourage more young people to work and embark on projects to increase literacy. There will be harsher punishments for people who commit crimes against elderly persons.

On 1 July, the Cabinet will be meeting in Gozo to discuss matters related to the island.

The government has also bought property in Sao Paolo, Brazil, to serve as a consultate. 80% of the expenditure will be borne by the EU, he said.