Labour leader Joseph Muscat yesterday attempted to distance himself from MEP-in-waiting Joseph Cuschieri who said on Friday that Malta should not give Greece a second bailout before getting its sixth seat in the European Parliament.
Asked by The Sunday Times whether he agreed with this statement, Dr Muscat’s spokesman was measured and cautious in his reply, leaving out all reference to Mr Cuschieri but making an attempt to separate the issues.
“Labour’s position has already been made clear by Dr Muscat when he stated that Malta did the right thing by contributing to Greece’s bailout for a second time.
“There is no doubt that Greece should be helped to safeguard the interests of the whole eurozone area, including our economy. It is also of paramount importance that the Maltese government should establish what level of exposure is sustainable for our country.”
However, the spokesman added: “This issue is being resolved with European solidarity which is needed at such times. Malta should not shy away from pressing other member states to resolve issues that are of importance to us using the same solidarity. These include, above all, immigration, on which we are receiving no solidarity, and the ratification of the protocols regarding the expansion of the European Parliament on a political level.”
The reply was a far cry from what Mr Cuschieri – who was the fourth highest-polling candidate in the 2009 elections – called for in his statement.
“I am very disappointed by the politically feeble decision of the Maltese government to contribute (to) the second bailout to Greece while not asking the Greek government to ratify Protocol 36 so that Malta can take the sixth seat which it is owed by right but has been denied for two whole years,” Mr Cuschieri said in a press statement issued by the Labour Party.
“We should be generous when others are generous with us... I ask the Maltese government to formally ask the Greek government to ratify the protocol immediately... before Malta helps Greece again.”
The Nationalist Party said Mr Cuschieri’s statements were embarrassing, illogical and confused two separate issues.
“Mr Cuschieri is not understanding the difference between a country that has massive problems like Greece... and his own interest in a seat in the European Parliament, which he is owed simply thanks to the work of the PN on EU membership and the government when negotiating for a minimum number of seats a country can have in EP.
“When is the Labour Party going to learn that by stamping your feet you get nowhere – you do not influence decisions but shoot yourself in the foot.”
Mr Cuschieri gave up his seat in Parliament to enable Dr Muscat to become Leader of the Opposition. Dr Muscat resigned as an MEP after winning the leadership contest in 2008.
Despite getting elected, as an MP and Malta’s prospective sixth MEP, Mr Cuschieri is neither, but is instead on the Labour Party’s payroll.