The €360 million state guarantee given to cover a massive bank loan for the private consortium selected to build the new gas power station was unique and discriminatory to the commercial community, Economy shadow minister Claudio Grech said this morning.

Addressing a news conference, he said no business was ever given the privilege, in public tenders, to have the taxpayer guaranteeing his bank loans. Businessmen had to give personal guarantees and put their or their company’s assets on the line.

But rather than utilising €360 million to strengthen Maltese enterprises, the government used this money to provide a guarantee to private operators in a clear sign of unprecedented discrimination, Mr Grech said.

“How can this government boast it is pro-business when it takes such discriminatory decisions? To be pro-business meant to ensure there was a level playing field for businesses," he said.

Small businesses spokesman Robert Arrigo said businesses wanted a level playing field in which everyone could work.

Financial services spokeswoman Kristy Debono said such decisions were dangerous and irresponsible with long term consequences on families, businesses and the economy.