Prime Minister Joseph Muscat insists he is “anti-racist” in an interview today, in the wake of criticism over his threat to repatriate a group of immigrants back to Libya.

“I think this Government has far more credibility when talking about racism. But by talking tough it doesn’t mean intolerance or hating migrants. Whoever tries to equate the two is doing a disservice,” he tells The Sunday Times of Malta.

Dr Muscat came under fire amid accusations that he was using African migrants as political pawns to put pressure on the EU to elevate the issue of irregular immigration.

Tuesday’s tension was followed by a wave of racist comments against immigrants and plans for demonstrations in support of the Government’s stand.

But the Prime Minister was quick to condemn the demonstrations and insisted his tough-talk approach would actually curb racism.

Dr Muscat would not confirm whether he intended going all the way with his threat to send the migrants back but said it was a conscious strategy to get the EU to listen.

“There’s a lot of hot air on (EU) solidarity, but when it comes down to reality there’s nothing, they just say the Maltese will calm down after the summer months. It’s the fruit of years of failed policies.”

Full text in The Sunday Times of Malta and the e-paper on timesofmalta.com premium.