Labour leader Alfred Sant expected to control journalists and people by not allowing them to make questions, the Nationalist Party said, referring to Dr Sant’s refusal to take part in a Xarabank programme, in which the Prime Minister was also invited. The Prime Minister has accepted to take part.

Dr Sant believes Xarabank is not the proper context for a political debate, as it takes the form of a variety show, but has instead invited the Prime Minister for one-to-one debates on state television.

The PN said Dr Sant felt comfortable when he could say what he liked and did not give journalists the opportunity to ask questions, as he had done after the budget speech. The Xarabank programme will be held tomorrow.