Adds PN statement
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat today likened the citizenship sale issue with that of abortion, saying that just as much as the European Union cannot impose on Malta what to do about abortion, it can neither impose on Malta what to do with its citizenship.
Speaking in Qormi hours before the European Parliament is set to debate the issue, Dr Muscat said that the Nationalist Party tactics – which he said are causing great harm to Malta – will not work.
He said the Socialists understood Malta’s position and worked to limit the singling out of Malta in the resolution, reducing the number of mentions from 11 to three.
If there is someone who should be worried about the debate and the vote it is Simon Busuttil, as the Nationalist Party has been working against Malta's interests. Dr Busuttil and the PN should be ashamed of the resolution, said Dr Muscat.
PN statement
But in a statement issued in reply, the PN said that the Prime Minister is the one who is shaming this country with his ‘citizenship for sale scheme.’
The PN considers the PM’s comments as an attempt to muzzle all those who express themselves against the selling of citizenship, including his friends the Socialists in the EP. This is unacceptable.
The Nationalist Party appealed to the Prime Minister to stop being a “bully” with all those who dare criticize him or speak in the national interest. The whole debate only started after Dr Muscat insisted on selling Maltese citizenship. The Prime Minsiter cannot expect that other EPs, including the Socialists, remains silent over Malta’s scheme to sell passports.
Speaking during a New Year's reception for amassadors, unions and journalists, PN Leador Simon Busuttil said that the Maltese economy should be based on the innovation and competitiveness of the Maltese workers.
Dr Busuttil refuted "unfounded claims" that the PN is harming Malta's reputation, insisting that the truth is the contrary. "The government's citizenship for sale scheme is hurting the national interest, not us," Dr Busuttil insisted.