PL MEPs Alfred Sant, Miriam Dalli, and Marlene Mizzi have claimed that the European Parliament ever-increasing criticism of the government is aimed to undermine the Maltese financial services system, going as far to say that they are willing to defend the country, even if it were to come from those within the same political group.

Members of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats were amongst the 466 MEPs who voted in favour of the European Parliament's resolution concerning the rule of law in Malta.

"We will continue to work to protect the country's taxation system, which was confirmed by the PANA committee to be transparent and comply with the laws of the European Union and OECD standards," a joint statement read.

The three claim that it is clear that the resolution and criticism EU members have made towards the country was an attempt to undermine financial services in the country.

"The reality is that there are MEPs who dislike the fact that Malta is attracting investment," the statement says.

"This is a question about those who put the country before any other interest, regardless of their political group."