(Adds PL's reaction)

The memorandum of understanding signed by the Prime Minister in China and through which part of Enemalta was being sold to a Chinese company raised many doubts and questions, PN leader Simon Busuttil said this evening.

Speaking at a party activity in Gozo, Dr Busuttil said Dr Muscat did not give details about what had been signed and he had the duty to be clear with the people.

Dr Busuttil asked since when could a Prime Minister go abroad and decide on his own to give up one of the country’s most crucial assets without any form of consultation or debate in Parliament.

He asked since when was the Labour government in favour of privatisation when it had always made every excuse for Malta not to privatise, even when the country needed to take such a decision.

He asked what was China to gain from the agreement.

"Could it be that the Chinese government was buying support around the EU negotiating table? Could the Prime Minister tell the country what was Enemalta’s role in the production of photovoltaic panels for national and European consumption to be, and if he was to start creating new government companies such as those the country had in the seventies and eighties producing shoes and Dezerta chocolate? Could Dr Muscat say what was to become of the 90 or so businesses that sold photovoltaic panels in Malta and the work they generated?"

It was clear, Dr Busuttil said, that there was more to this case than met the eye.

Dr Busuttil also spoke on employment and called on the government to implement a clear employment plan for the country. He reminded the Prime Minister of his promise to create jobs for Gozitans in Gozo and asked how the government planned to implement this promise.

On health, Dr Busuttil insisted that the government should find a solution for out of stock medicine. He acknowledged that the Nationalist Government could have done more in the sector but said that the situation was never as bad as it was now.

He hoped that the Government would retain the Pharmacy of Your Choice scheme and said the minister should make his intentions clear.

BUSUTTIL ISOLATING HIMSELF - PL

In a reply, the Labour Party said Dr Busuttil was continuing to isolate himself coming up with unbelievable arguments.

It said it was the EU itself which was seeking an agreement and better relations with China.

Dr Busuttil cast doubts on whether Malta should have the best relations with the world’s second biggest economy and from where every country was seeking to attract investment.

At the same that  a Maltese Prime Minister was in China, there were also Prime Ministers from other European countries and CEOs of the world’s biggest companies.

Dr Busuttil was against an agreement that would place Enemalta on solid ground, against the creation of jobs and against foreign investment in Malta.

 

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