Be the first to comment!Secret economic citizenship: a threat to Malta’s reputation, says AD
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Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party said that it has followed attentively the debate on the amendments to the Citizenship Law “as a result of which it will be possible to exchange a donation of €650,000 with citizenship to persons whose identity shall be kept secret.”
AD Chairperson Arnold Cassola emphasised that “instead of defending the Maltese passport Government is putting it up for sale with a price tag of €650,000.”
The proposals approved by Parliament, added AD Deputy Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo, “are objectionable for two reasons: because the committment to invest in Malta on the part of those applying for economic citizenship is nominal, as well as due to the lack of transparency.”
Cacopardo said that “whilst AD recognises that there were improvements to the original proposal in regards to both the due diligence required as well as in the creation of the post of regulator, the fact remains that the economic citizenship offered by Government is a threat to Malta’s reputation acquired throughout the years and which has resulted in jobs associated with financial services. These may now be under threat.”
Carmel Cacopardo went on to say that AD “has also noted the position of the Opposition which emphasised that once re-elected to Government it will withdraw the economic citizenship made possible with today’s approval by Parliamanet of amendments to the Citizenship Act.
“AD has notes that the Opposition has not published the legal advice which it has been given to justify its position, just as Government too has not published the advice on the same matter which it has received from the Attorney General.”
“AD,” concluded Carmel Cacopardo, “is of the opinion that there has not been a sufficient effort to ensure that a solutuon beneficial to Malta is arrived at. Being of benefit to Malta does not only signify obtaining the means to a livelihood but also that this is carried out with respect to its dignity and reputation.”
