Paul Bugeja has doused the flames of controversy over his predecessor’s appearance alongside the Prime Minister when announcing details of a revamped citizenship scheme.
Mr Bugeja, president of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, said he was informed of Tony Zahra’s participation in the citizenship talks.
“Tony Zahra was there purely in his personal capacity and he had informed me before that he was acting as a mediator of sorts to help both political sides find a solution,” Mr Bugeja said when contacted.
Mr Zahra’s presence during the press conference with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat – the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Enterprise was also present – had raised eyebrows because the MHRA had not expressed an opinion on the citizenship scheme.
Mr Zahra was MHRA president until December 10 and is currently a vice president of the organisation. It had to be clarified later that Mr Zahra was at the press conference in Auberge de Castille in his personal capacity.
Zahra did nothing that went against the MHRA’s principles
But Mr Bugeja said the MHRA council saw no reason to have a debate on the matter. “Tony [Zahra] felt he could be of help and this is always welcome. He did nothing that went against the MHRA’s principles.”
He reiterated the MHRA at this stage did not have an official position on the Individual Investor Programme, popularly known as the cash-for-citizenship scheme.
“Until now we do not see this scheme having an impact, whether positive or negative, on our sector,” Mr Bugeja said, adding the organisation did appeal to both sides to reach a compromise and refrain from retreating further to the trenches.
The citizenship scheme proved to be controversial after in its original format non-EU nationals could buy a Maltese passport for €650,000 with no strings attached.
After the law was approved in Parliament the government re-opened talks with the Opposition in a bid to find a compromise. The Opposition wanted the scheme to be tied to a five-year residency condition and investment.
The government has agreed to change the parameters and applicants will now have to buy a property in Malta and invest a sum of money in government bonds.
The Opposition believes this is still not enough and has threatened to withdraw passports bought under this scheme if in government.
ksansone@timesofmalta.com