Brexit was the result of populism and the European Union could fail unless it dealt with rising populist sentiment, Simon Busuttil said this afternoon.
The Nationalist Party leader was speaking at a press conference during the European People’s Party congress, which is being held in Malta today and tomorrow.
READ: The Brexit process is now underway
This is the first time that the EPP congress is taking place in Malta, and the event, according to Dr Busuttil, was being held in “interesting times” for Europe, and also for Malta, ahead of the general election.
Dr Busuttil noted that the triggering of Article 50, which will kick off the Brexit process, required a “significant reflection” not only on the part of the EU, but also the UK itself, especially following the Scottish parliament’s vote for a second referendum.
“Brexit is the result of populism, but populism is not limited to the UK. Populism is
rearing its head everywhere - in Europe and beyond. Unless we deal head-on with populism, the EU will fail,” he said.
READ: 'Day one of a difficult road', says EU's Brexit negotiator
Populists, he noted, often spoke about problems but did not offer any solutions.
On the other hand, we offer solutions, he said, adding that the EPP - the largest European political party - could provide the vision and leadership.
Answering questions about Malta’s neutrality - enshrined in the country's constitution - Dr Busuttil said the island was one of the few remaining neutral countries in the EU.
The neutrality clause was, however, a very old one, and it was time to rethink and review Malta's neutrality clause, he said, questioning what neutrality meant in today’s circumstance. In some instances, such as when it came to terrorism, we could not remain neutral, Dr Busuttil said.
In his address, EPP President Joseph Daul also referred to Brexit.
The process, should not last more than two years, he said, adding that the EPP’s main priorities remained the rights of European citizens and the three million EU inhabitants in the UK.
In the meantime, the UK should also fulfil its financial responsibilities. The exit bill, he insisted, had to be paid in full.
He later noted that talks about future cooperation could only kick off once the UK’s withdrawal agreement was concluded.
Earlier, Dr Busuttil told a separate EPP event that while maintaining integrity within the political sphere was challenging, whoever was ready to give up their integrity had no place in politics. The moment we give up integrity, we lose it all, he said.