Malta should not embark on “adventures” during this critical moment for the economy, Spanish MEP Teresa Jimenez-Becerril Barrio said today.

“This is not the time for dreams. Everyone loves change but when you are in such a good position, things can get worse. Just look at the countries around you,” she said.  

Speaking at a PN press conference, she gave a testimonial about how Spain’s Socialists had hidden the real financial situation of their country hidden and failed to carry out necessary reform.

She said her country was now making huge sacrifices to tackle skyrocketing unemployment, with youth unemployment hitting 56 per cent.

Ms Jimenez-Becerril Barrio said that former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero’s had a “flower power” attitude which he also applied to the economy, leading to the country’s economic woes.

Also addressing the press conference was PN deputy leader Simon Busuttil who elaborated on his party’s proposals for youth, namely a strengthening of stipends and incentives for young people to set up businesses.

Speaking about The Times’ debate yesterday, Dr Busuttil highlighted the fact that Labour leader Joseph Muscat praised PN’s proposal to give a grant to 21-year-olds to visit a European country. Dr Muscat claimed this was one of Labour’s original ideas but was struck off the manifesto as part of a cost cutting exercise.

“This is a clear admission by Dr Muscat that when Labour wants to cut costs, the first people to suffer will be youths and students,” he said.  

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