PN MEPs Roberta Metsola and David Casa have voted against an EU Parliamentary resolution condemning corruption in Bulgaria, a Labour Party statement read.

"The first defence came from PN MEP Roberta Metsola, who put forward 33 amendments with the aim to weaken the discourse used in a resolution against Bulgaria.

"In the amendments, she tried to remove from the resolution, reference to the way Bulgaria's rule of law has deteriorated, hoe democracy and the independence of the courts has deteriorated."

The amendments were refused by the EU Parliament that approved the resolution, the PL said.

"Through this report, Bulgaria is accused of serious corruption allegations, of use of threatening language towards minorities, and changes to electoral laws just months before a general election. The Bulgarian government is under immense pressure faced with accusation of abuse of EU funds with reports shedding light on ties between criminal organisations and authorities."

The PL said that there are demonstrations ongoing in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia, which were met with a violent response by the police.

The PL reminded of the "attacks that PN MEPs make on Malta in similar resolutions."

Bulgarian nationals have also taken to social media to express their discontent with Metsola, some even issuing abusive comments, accusing her of siding with the Bulgarian government.