The government has failed in its duty to ensure the safety of our country and promote quality tourism, the Nationalist Party said. It has now lost control of the situation - and is openly admitting it.

The request for assistance from the Italian Police is nothing short of a certificate of failure in both areas, signed by the government itself, the PN added.

This government has created an image of our country as a place where anything goes and there are no consequences. Now, it is reaping what it has sown - an environment of impunity where all control has been lost.

The PN said it strongly condemns the government's decision to request the intervention and assistance of the Italian law enforcement authorities in tourist zones. This decision is a blow to our nation's sovereignty.

Malta has a Police Force made up of dedicated officers, but this Government has left them behind and failed to invest in them. Now it is disrespecting them further by calling on the police force of another country.

The PN expressed its full solidarity with the officers of the Police Force who give their utmost every day, working with the limited resources allocated by the Government - particularly in the context of a growing population and increasingly irresponsible tourism.

Both tourism and national security require a government with a clear vision. A government that can provide peace of mind to the Maltese people and a quality experience to tourists - one that does not come at the expense or safety of the Maltese and Gozitan public.

It is regrettable that the hard work of operators in the tourism sector is being squandered by a government lacking commitment and the political will to invest in the most crucial areas.

While the PN appreciates the assistance being offered by the Italian State - which is providing full cooperation to another European State in need - the Maltese government has failed in its responsibilities.

It failed to maintain a standard of quality tourism. It failed to safeguard the country's security. And it has now had to resort to the security forces of another country to maintain order in Malta.

A new PN Government will allocate the best resources to rebuild the reputation of the Police Force, providing officers with the best tools and necessary training, while also restoring the tourism sector - based on quality - to the top of Malta and Gozo's economic priorities for the future.

This is what our country truly deserves, the PN said.

In reply, the Labour Party said the Opposition is so partisan and populist that it is trying to create sensationalism about agreements offering experience and knowledge for our Police Corps.

The Police Force seeks cooperation with foreign partners, to give new experiences to the Maltese Police, the PL said. For example during the past weeks Maltese officers were in France, while Community Police members were in England.

So just as the Italian Police came to Malta for a few days without any executive powers, the Maltese Police have similar opportunities to go abroad. The Nationalist Party wants to deny these experiences and is attacking the government by targeting security. "We remind the Nationalist Party that Malta is among the ten safest countries in the world, and crime rates have fallen again last year," the PL said.