Justice Minister Owen Bonnici today said that no abuse was committed when foreigners who bought a Maltese passport were given the right to vote.

Speaking during a Labour press conference this afternoon, Dr Bonnici said that the system allows people who obtain Maltese citizenship to also apply to be given the right to vote.

Dr Bonnici was asked to comment after the Nationalist Party said at least 91 foreigners were granted the right to vote in breach of the Constitution because they did not fulfil the requirements needed. The PN presented 91 court cases contesting the granting of such a right.

The press conference was also addressed by Economy Minister Chris Cardona and Dr Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, both of whom are contesting for the party deputy leadership together with Dr Bonnici. This was the first press conference to be addressed by all three party deputy leadership candidates.

Dr Bonnici spoke of three laws drawn up by this government which serve to strengthen good governance. These include the whistle blower's act, the party financing law and the law which removes a time bar from being able to file criminal proceedings for crimes such as corruption.

He remarked that the PN had long spoken of introducing such laws, but it was this government who took action.

Economy Minister Cardona spoke of the positive assessment given to Malta by a rating agency called 'Moody's.' The report forecast strong economic growth, higher than that of the EU average.

The report also praised malta's increasingly diverse investment portfolio, such as in the sector of energy and construction.

He said that the previous government left Malta's economy in a miserable state, and that it was this government's sound economic policy which brought the island on its feet again.

Asked by this newsroom about whether it was prudent to give such ratings agencies reports any prominence, in view of the instrumental role they played in the 2008 financial crises, Dr Cardona noted how the agency makes such evaluations through empirical data.

He said that this is backed up through various other reports coming from many different reputable sources, such as the EU Commission - adding that all reports on Malta's performance have been consistent. 

Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi interjected by saying reports on Malta's performance were very different prior to 2013, which is confirmation of the good work being carried out by this government.

In his address, Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi said that Malta is going through a change for the better which the island so desperately needed. He made reference to a number of policies, such as free childcare and increasing of pensions, which has allowed for benefits to be felt by the public at large.

In reaction, the PN said that with his comments, Owen Bonnici showed that he does not know what the law says or else is choosing to defend this breach of the Constitution

It is serious that the minister does not know what the Constitution says, and it is even more serious that he chooses to defend breaches of the Condtitution.

He should realise that he holds the position of minister not toe defend his party's corruption, but to defend the Maltese Constitution.