Update with MDA and ADPD statements below: The Nationalist Party, in a statement on Tuesday said that the “European Court ruling confirms that the Government reduced Maltese – and therefore European – citizenship to a simple commercial transaction.”

“For the PN, citizenship is more than just a legal status with a price tag – it represents a bond of loyalty, responsibility, and a shared purpose among individuals who have the privilege of being called Maltese,” the Party said.

Darren Carabott Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Security, and Reforms, said that the PN therefore takes note of the decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union, “which today did what the Labour Government has failed to do for years: it protected the value and meaning of Maltese citizenship.”

In its landmark ruling this morning, the European Court declared that the Labour Government’s passport sale scheme violates European law and that the acquisition of nationality was reduced to a “simple commercial transaction.” The Court clearly stated that citizenship of the Union “cannot result from a mere commercial transaction.”

The PN noted that it further affirmed that a Member State cannot sell its nationality – and thus European citizenship – in exchange for predetermined payments or investments. This undermines the mutual trust between EU Member States and breaches the principle of sincere cooperation.

This is a binding final decision on the Maltese Government, the PN said. In light of this ruling, the Nationalist Party calls on the Labour Government to immediately:

1. Suspend the IIP programme in its current form;

2. Launch a clear plan with a schedule of amendments to Maltese law to implement the European Court’s decision;

3. Publicly declare that it fully accepts the ruling in the interest of safeguarding our country’s reputation.

The PN said that it also demands that the Labour Government cease its “misinformation campaign” regarding the sale of passports.

It added that “now is the time to move forward and leave behind the past statements and partisan propaganda that the Government has adopted over recent years.”

The PN warned that “the Labour Government must focus on what truly matters: the best interests of the country and its responsibilities as a Member State of the European Union. This is a moment that calls for national unity, where the Government must recognise its errors, be transparent, and work to restore Malta’s good name.”

It went on to say that “what was said yesterday by Prime Minister Robert Abela – who seemed to be anticipating the outcome of today’s European Court ruling, which condemned him – is deeply deplorable. The only harm done to our country’s reputation through this judgement was caused by the Labour Government’s own scheme of selling citizenship, nothing else.”

“For the PN, the Maltese passport has value, not a price. A future Nationalist Government will ensure that Maltese citizenship is granted only where there is a clear and genuine connection to our country – a bond of loyalty, responsibility, and shared purpose among those granted a Maltese passport. This will be coupled with active, substantial, and long-term investment in economic sectors that are a national priority,” concluded Darren Carabott.

MDA statement:

The Malta Development Association (MDA) said that it is “very disappointed” at the European Court of Justice ruling against the Maltese Citizenship by Investment Programme.

In a statement, the Association said that it was “also surprised by the extent to which the ruling totally ignored and overturned the Legal Opinion given by the ECJ’s own Advocate General which endorsed the arguments of the Maltese Government.”

The MDA noted that the Programme “has been of great benefit for the economic development of the country and the MDA encourages Government to amend rather than abort it.”

The MDA concluded by urging all political parties to “rise beyond partisan politics in issues of national importance.”

Withdraw illegal citizenships immediately – Greens

ADPD – The Green Party noted that the European Court of justice has ruled that Malta’s golden passport scheme, is providing a “shortcut to wealthy third county nationals to acquiring Maltese (and hence European) citizenship is in breach of EU law.”

ADPD insisted that it has been pointing out the inherent flaws in this scheme since its inception in 2014. “Citizenship should never be for sale. A hefty price tag does not establish a genuine link to the country.”

“Maltese citizenship also grants backdoor entry to the the Schengen area,” said the Party. “We need to utilise the benefits and privileges granted to us responsibly. Our actions bear direct consequences on our allies in Europe.”

Party Chairperson Sandra Gauci said, “the Green Party expects immediate compliance with EU laws and the prompt cessation of the Golden Passport scheme; citizenship obtained through this scheme which has been declared illegal by the European Court should be revoked forthwith.”

File photo

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