Labour MP Edward Zammit Lewis has urged professionals and other people who profited from the citizenship-by-investment scheme over the years to speak out in favour of it.

Legal professionals, as well as real estate agents and property owners, have over the years benefitted greatly from the scheme, which obliges new Maltese citizens to purchase or rent a property on the island.

The National Development and Social Fund, which administers earnings from the scheme, has also funded several social initiatives, including Puttinu’s new apartments in London and initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Zammit Lewis said that while the European Court of Justice’s ruling must be respected, he disagrees with its logic and warned it will drag Europe back 70 years in terms of its view on citizenship.

“We must now look ahead, and I urge the government to immediately start speaking to all stakeholders, including professionals, people in the property sector and others who benefitted from this programme to chart a clear path forward and ensure it remains both effective and appealing.”

“I also expect professionals and everyone who benefitted from this programme to come forward and speak in favour of it and condemn those who spent years attacking it.”