The teachers' union has called for the resignation of those involved in the distribution of funds for EU educational programmes after the European Commission suspended financing amid claims of mismanagement.
"An apology is not enough. It is an insult to the intelligence of the hundreds of students and teachers who were going to participate," the president of the Malta Union of Teachers, John Bencini said.
Education Minister Dolores Cristina last week apologised after at least 200 projects submitted by Maltese organisations and individuals risked being axed when the EU temporarily suspended the Youth in Action and Lifelong Learning programmes.
The suspension came after the Commission found too much leniency and a lack of accountability in the distribution of funds, which was flagged by the EU back in August.
"This is the result of mismanagement and inefficiency, which is affecting young people, shattering their dreams," Mr Bencini said.
More than 400 students who were going on exchange programmes could be affected by the suspension. He said some 50 teachers had also been affected.
Mr Bencini argued that since the EU had categorically pointed to administrative problems, there was no need to wait for the inquiry ordered by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi before those responsible were penalised. "If they have any decency, they will offer their resignation," he said, stopping short of mentioning names.
Mr Bencini said the island had no culture of resignations or even embarrassment for mistakes made. However, somebody had to shoulder responsibility for the mistakes that could have cost Malta EU funds, he insisted.
He said the MUT was one of the organisations that strongly supported Malta's EU membership, mainly because it could be very beneficial for education.
Asked whether the ministry would be demanding any resignations, a spokesman said decisions would be taken once the report of the board of inquiry was handed to the Prime Minister's Office. The report was expected to be concluded last night.
In a letter to Education Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou expected to be sent today, Maltese students and young people will be asking for funding applications to continue being processed to avoid uncertainty for applicants.
The letter, by the University Students' Council (KSU), the National Youth Council, the Junior College Students' Council and the Youth Diocesan Council, also asks for the issue to be resolved and settled in the shortest time possible.
"We believe it is unacceptable for the youths and students we represent that any of the beneficiaries of both the suspended programmes are denied any of these opportunities," the letter says.
The letter, to be copied to the Prime Minister, is also signed by 20 student representatives on the University's council, senate and faculty boards, 25 local students' organisations and over 20 national University organisations from other EU countries, as well as the European Students' Union.