Prime Minister Joseph Muscat had the opportunity to occupy a high office within the European Union, even replacing European Council President Donald Tusk, but he was not considered by the EU since he was considered 'toxic', said Nationalist Party MP Jason Azzopardi.

"He could have had taken steps against Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri, but he decided to protect them," Azzopardi said. He highlighted that the Prime Minister had a "golden opportunity" to occupy a high office but lost it as he did not remove those people who were compromising the opportunity for Malta.

Chris Cardona should resign

Economy Minister Chris Cardona should immediately resign, said Azzopardi. Speaking in Parliament, Azzopardi commented that Cardona should immediately resign, especially after a 'scandalous' lease extension of government land without a competitive tendering process.

Azzopardi highlighted that Cardona had come to Parliament with a resolution informing the House that the government land would be leased for 64 more years, after the previous lease agreement between government- owned Casma Ltd and Dragonara Gaming Lt was entering its final year.

"Muscat has no control over his ministers, and that he is allowing them to make decisions that binds the country to 65 years with a result of losing millions of euros."

"Prime Minister Joseph Muscat is a hostage of Cardona, he is unable to take measures against him," said Azzopardi.

The Opposition had not objected to the land lease when it went through Parliament.