The Nationalist Party has condemned a call by Greens MEP Sven Giegold for the European Union to invoke an Article 7 procedure against Malta.

On Sunday, Giegold said the EU Commission must make the situation in Malta a top priority and initiate a procedure under Article 7 of the EU Treaties

The Article 7 procedure means a member state may be denied certain rights, such as voting rights. 

In a statement today, the PN said it was against such a procedure because the people should not suffer any repercussions based on the wrongdoings of their government. 

"It would be better if Giegold and his European Greens were to focus, like the Nationalist Party is doing, on pressuring the government and the people around it who are undermining Malta's reputation," the PN said.

It again insisted that the government should implement all of the Venice Commission's recommendations through constitutional amendments.

In response, Greens MEP Sven Giegold said: "I did not expect any applause by the Labour Party. But, it is political cowardice that the PN has been complaining about corruption and impunity for years but takes such a strong position against the opening of an Article 7 procedure. Article 7 is for the systematic violation of Europe's fundamental values and this is just what the Council of Europe has found. It is a pity that the PN does not see the potential of an EU investigation on the rule of law. This could strengthen the voice of all in Malta who want to strengthen the rule of law on the islands".