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Adrian Delia Takes Dig At Prime Minister’s EU Ambitions In Stinging Rebuke Of His Immigration Policy

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Opposition leader Adrian Delia accused Prime Minister Joseph Muscat of changing his tune on immigration to better his chances of landing a top job in Brussels.

“Muscat had originally pledged a push-back policy, in breach of the fundamental obligation to save people from drowning, because it suited him at the time,” Delia told PN supporters at tonight’s Independence Day mass meeting. “However, because he is now looking towards Europe, he is doing the complete opposite and has issued an open invitation for Malta to welcome 10,000 new foreign workers a year. So what does Muscat want ? Does he want push-backs or does he want to open our territory wide open to everyone without essential security measures?”

“We are obliged to save lives but we are also obliged to safeguard our territory, the Maltese identity and the EU’s external borders.”

Delia’s intervention comes amidst growing rumours that Muscat, who has repeatedly pledged not to seek a third term as Prime Minister, is planning to succeed Donald Tusk as EU Council President.

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Joseph Muscat with current EU Council President Donald Tusk

The Opposition leader tonight attempted to distinguish himself from Muscat, by using the Prime Minister’s pledge to resign after ten years in government against him.

“Muscat said he only wants to spend ten years in government, but I’m ready to dedicate all my time to leave an everlasting heritage to my children and my children’s children.”

Delia, who has been accused from some quarters of fanning anti-immigrant sentiment, insisted his criticism was aired at the government’s lack of a plan on how to cater for the growing influx of foreign workers.

“The government has said it wants to attract 10,000 foreigners to Malta every year, but where will these people live when our youths can no longer afford to buy or rent property themselves?” he asked. “We were never against foreigners or foreign investment, but there are ways and means; bringing in talented foreigners who can contribute to our society is one thing but bringing in foreigners to work as cheap labour for a few months before leaving Malta is another.”

He warned that homelessness is on the rise in Malta, with people forced to sleep in farms, on the streets and in the abandoned White Rocks complex.

“If this is Malta in the best of times, then what on earth will happen when the economy starts slowing down?” he asked.

What do you make of the Opposition leader’s speech?

READ NEXT: MEPs Probing Malta’s Rule Of Law React To Rumours Of Joseph Muscat’s EU Council Candidacy

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Tim is interested in the rapid evolution of human society and is passionate about justice, human rights and cutting-edge political debates. You can follow him on Instagram or Twitter/X at @timdiacono or reach out to him at [email protected]

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