MEP Agius Saliba Accuses PN Of Undermining Malta’s EU Support And Progress
On Saturday, PL MEP Alex Agius Saliba, during a press conference, castigated the Nationalist Party (PN), labeling their plan for Malta as ‘destructive’. This stark contrast between the governing party and the opposition has been highlighted amidst ongoing discussions about the nation’s future and its relationship with the European Union.
The backdrop to these assertions was the recent MED9 summit in Malta. During this significant meeting, leaders from nine Mediterranean countries, including Prime Minister Robert Abela, convened to deliberate on a unified approach to common challenges. The summit was about an agreement on ten main principles aimed at fostering a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Mediterranean region. Themes of irregular immigration, climate change, social sector development, and enhanced connectivity featured prominently in the discussions.
Agius Saliba expressed his vehement criticism of PN MEP David Casa, who he accused of undermining Malta’s interests. Casa allegedly wrote a deceptive letter to European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen, misrepresenting the investment in the Gozo Nadur school and attempting to impede Malta’s receipt of EU funds. This, according to Agius Saliba, is a clear manifestation of the PN’s destructive approach.
Contrastingly, the PL is portrayed as a party with the nation’s interests at heart. Von der Leyen openly declared the EU’s support for Malta, commending the investment in the Nadur school and lauding Malta’s recovery plan within the EU.
Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds, Chris Bonett, reinforced this narrative, highlighting the EU’s commitment to Malta evidenced by the substantial funding package secured for the next seven years. This package, described as the largest ever received by Malta, is double the amount secured during the previous PN administration.
Bonett further condemned Casa’s actions, citing the incongruity of his video statements and the intent expressed in his letter to the EU Commissioner. He characterized Casa’s actions as a betrayal, underlining his neglect of Malta’s interests.
Agius Saliba’s and Bonett’s remarks underscore the ongoing political tug of war. They project a narrative of a PL committed to national advancement and prosperity, in opposition to a PN depicted as working counter to the nation’s interests.
As Malta continues to navigate its path forward, the choice presented to the nation, according to Bonett, is clear. Either move ahead with the PL towards new prosperity or regress to the “austerity and stagnation of a PN government.”
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