The Opposition was objecting to a citizenship scheme already approved by the European Commission, the government has said.

It had no problem debating the subject in any forum, whether the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development, the European Commission or Parliament, it said.

There was consensus on the scheme that would bring in millions of euros, it added.

“The time has come for the Opposition to realise that, while it remains stuck in negativity, Malta is moving forward and achieving positive results in economic growth, double that of 2011 and 2012, reducing the excessive deficit left behind by the previous administration and fulfilling its electoral programme.”