Alternattiva Demokratika said in a statement today that it is “indeed unfortunate that the Leader of the Opposition Simon Busuttil is competing with Dr Muscat and doing his best to contribute to additional reputational damage for Malta.”

“Busuttil’s declaration that tomorrow the PN will emphasise its criticism through a judicial protest is a gimmick we can do without,” said Carmel Cacopardo AD Deputy Chairperson.

He added, “moreover Busuttil’s insistence that a future PN government will revoke the citizenship acquired through the proposed scheme is a declaration that a PN government led by Busuttil will ride roughshod over human rights.”

Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson, Prof. Arnold Cassola said, “the sale of Maltese and European citizenship scheme as proposed by Prime Minister Muscat is not acceptable as it is since it creates discrimination between rich and poor and could go against Article 4.3 of the European Treaties to which Malta is a signatory.

“However, the threat by Simon Busuttil to revoke the acquired citizenship when and if in government is unacceptable. Acquired rights are not thrown into the dustbin.”

Prof. Cassola pointed out that “the international reputation of our country, already severely damaged by Muscat’s citizenship proposal, will plummet even further through Busuttil’s threat. If no agreed compromise, compatible with international law, is found in the immediate future, the people of Malta should have the final decision on the proposed citizenship scheme through a referendum on the 24 of May.”

Carmel Cacopardo AD Deputy Chairperson concluded that the Leader of the Opposition has declared time and again that his political position is based on sound legal advice. “Dr Busuttil should publish the advice he has received just as Joseph Muscat has already published the advice tendered by the Attorney General.”

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