The Nationalist Party categorically rejects any allegation that it has exerted, or continues to exert, any form of pressure on media organisations or on journalists who have worked, or continue to work, in the media.

It also rejects any accusation that it interferes, or has ever interfered, in the selection of journalists and opinion writers engaged by the various broadcasting and print media organisations in Malta.

"With reference to allegations made this morning by a former editor and columnist of an independent newspaper, the PN categorically denies that Partit Nazzjonalista Leader Alex Borg had any involvement whatsoever in the decision to discontinue that individual's contributions to the newspaper".

The PN said it firmly believes in the value of free, independent and responsible journalism as an essential pillar of a strong democracy.

The party was referring to comments made by Noel Grima on his Facebook page that PN leader Alex Borg put pressure on The Malta Independent to stop him (Grima) from writing weekly articles.