Nationalist Party leader Adrian Delia accused the government of disrespecting couples through the proposed changes in the Embryo Protection Act, as well as disrespecting the rights of the child.

The proposals will see the introduction of embryo freezing and forced anonymous adoption, allow gay couples and single women to receive IVF treatment, provide for sperm and ovum donation and decriminalise surrogacy.

Delia was speaking at a political activity in Zebbug. He spoke of speaking to a pensioner who has a dilemma about how he is going to make it till the end of the month with what is left of his pension.

Delia repeatedly said he was in favour of life from conception to old age. He spoke of how difficult it is for some people trying to keep up with Malta’s changing society and are working inhumane hours as a result of this.

He said that according to statistics, 49,000 people are struggling to make ends meet, just as many people who work for the government.

Delia condemned the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, saying she was snuffed out because of her writings despite the supposed freedom of expression in Malta.

Delia made reference to the stories being produced by The Daphne Project, more specifically the allegations that €200,000 per month was to be paid into 17 Black each month, which according to leaked documentation was supposed to be one of the main clients of two Panama companies that belonged to Minister Konrad Mizzi and the PM’s chief of staff Keith Schembri.

A one-time payment reportedly came from Orion Engineering, the company owned by Mario Pullicino, the agent for the LNG tanker that supplies gas to the new power station. In the meantime, the Panama companies became known to the public and it appeared that the plans were interrupted. All involved deny wrongdoing.

Delia spoke of a company that “cannot do business in Malta” because of issues with correspondence banking, highlighting the “damage” Prime Minster Joseph Muscat has already done to the country.

He said that the Prime Minister has massive support from the people, and he should be using this strength to do the right thing and remove Schembri and Mizzi.

“The Nationalist Party will be the voice of transparency and accountability in the absence of this,” Delia said to loud applause.

He said that even if it takes banging down the doors of the various ministries, speaking at party clubs and in the streets, the PN will continue to do this.

On the IVF amendments, accused the government for wanting to remove embryo protection legislation enshrined in the protection act.

Delia said that the government wants to turn couples, whether gay or straight, into a single unit able to buy a baby.

He accused the government for not respecting couples, for not respecting equality and for failing to respect the rights of children.

Delia asked for PN supporters to view the party not simply as a blue colour to support, but a means for improving Maltese society.