The money spent by the government to produce the New Year’s message by the Prime Minister should have been distributed to poor families, independent MP Marlene Farrugia said.

The PM’s message has been the subject of controversy as it has been deemed too partisan by the Nationalist Party, which is requesting to be given air-time by PBS to reply to it.

Dr Farrugia has joined in the protests with a post on Facebook this morning, saying that the PM should have delivered his address to the nation from the kitchen of a woman who is barely making ends meet.

Dr Farrugia said that the money spent on the production of the video “made for propaganda and other dubious aims” should have been distributed among the needy.

She added a comment from a mother who lives on social services benefits and is struggling to keep the family going.