The General Workers' Union said today it was  'shocked and astonished' by comments made last Sunday by Opposition leader Simon Busuttil that Malta had been ordered by the EU to reduce its financial incentives to industry.

It said that Dr Busuttil created unnecessary uncertainty in a sector that employs thousands of workers.

"It seems that the Leader of the Opposition has forgotten that these cuts in aid to industry was decided by the European Union in 2011 when the previous government seemed more preoccupied with dealing with internal strife rather than negotiating the best deal with the EU in the interest of our local industry," the union said.

The union said it expected Dr Busuttil to come forward with suggestions as to how Malta could negotiate best with the EU in the interest of industry. 

The governemnt yesterday also said it was faced with a fait accompli, but the PN insisted that the EU decision had been taken this month on the basis of a policy change last June.

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