The Government is not only inconsistent in its European defence policy but is also being exposed as contradictory in its approach to national defence, the Nationalist Party said.

"Apart from the U-turns made by Robert Abela in recent weeks and months regarding European defence, where he says one thing and does another in Brussels and then takes a different stance in Malta, contradictions also emerge in the his handling of defence and national security spending."

"Although Abela and the Minister responsible for national security, Byron Camilleri, try to conceal the truth, the facts show that Government spending on Malta's defence has increased over the past 12 years. At the European Union level, Abela has even agreed and voted to increase funds for European defence and security in light of international developments."

Byron Camilleri himself confirmed in Parliament that the Government is increasing defence spending, the PN said.

"However, when assessing what the Government has to show for this expenditure, one finds abandoned, deteriorating, and rusting equipment left discarded like scrap in the middle of a field."

"Byron Camilleri himself confirmed in Parliament that in 2014, defence spending exceeded €42 million and by 2023 had surpassed €77 million. The Budget for 2025 estimates that this figure will exceed €86 million, confirming that the Labour Government has repeatedly increased spending," the PN said in a statement signed by the PN's Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Reforms Darren Carabott.

"Last week, Byron Camilleri, when asked in Parliament for an account of the country's air defence capabilities against attacks from aircraft, drones, and missiles, stated that new equipment would be purchased and that an 'unprecedented' investment would be made, yet he failed to provide any details on what currently exists. This is another confirmation that the Labour Government intends to increase spending on weaponry."

"On 6 March 2025, Robert Abela voted at an urgent European leaders' summit in favour of an €800 billion EU budget under the name 'ReArm Europe' to increase Europe's defence budget."

"Regardless of what Abela says, these are the facts."

The PN agrees that investment in the Armed Forces of Malta should continue to be strengthened, provided it is a serious investment aimed at soldiers and the defence of our country, the statement read.

"What is shocking is that despite increased defence spending, improvements in army conditions and investment are nowhere to be seen."

"The photos from the Armed Forces' armoury attached to this statement reveal that the Government has done nothing to invest in air defence. It also appears that other artillery systems, which until recently were still operational and on which Armed Forces members were regularly trained, have now fallen into complete disrepair."

"One now understands why Byron Camilleri was reluctant to provide an account in Parliament of the country's air defence expenditure," the PN said, publishing photos of the neglect in the army (above)

The PN claimed that the Government has never had an air defence plan, not even a basic one with properly trained soldiers for potential threats. "Once again, Byron Camilleri and Robert Abela are failing the Maltese people by neglecting investment in national defence and security, which is essential for peace of mind."

"This lack of investment is also leading to serious and irreparable consequences for our country, such as the recent theft of drugs from the army's military base. The amount stolen remains uncertain, and its whereabouts are still unknown. Similarly, the two Moroccan nationals who escaped from an aircraft, ran across the airport, and have yet to be found represent another failure that falls under Byron Camilleri's responsibility."

"The years of underinvestment in the Armed Forces of Malta have led to a collapse in army command. Beyond the neglect of artillery, the PN has already raised concerns about issues within the Air Wing and Maritime Squadron, as well as injustices occurring within the army in general."

The PN reiterated its call for the resignation of the Minister responsible for the Armed Forces of Malta, Byron Camilleri, "who has yet to shoulder political responsibility for everything happening within the army."

"As long as Byron Camilleri remains in office, he will continue to be seen as a symbol of national insecurity, a responsibility which has now also been assumed by Prime Minister Robert Abela and the entire Government. The Government is failing in security. For these shortcomings in such a critical area, someone must take political responsibility."

PL replies

The Opposition is showing lack of credibility when publishing photos of discarded army devices because their time has passed, the Labour Party said, publishing photos related to the AFM's investment (above).

In fact, it is precisely what a Nationalist administration left behind when 20 years ago decided not to use them anymore. The Opposition spokesperson is therefore criticising a decision taken by his own party.

The difference is that the Labour Party in Government has invested in every part of the Armed Forces of Malta, the PL said. In fact, as the Opposition itself had to admit, the army increased its investment in diverse sectors according to today's needs and did not remain with equipment that was good decades ago.

Not only that, the Labour government as much as it invested in the facilities invested in the workers who know well how that today they have tools they did not have before. And what counts for the army counts for all disciplined forces, the PL said.