The GWU's president in a New Year message was critical of the damage done to Malta's reputation by overseas reporting on the citizenship scheme, although he did not comment on the scheme itself.

Victor Carachi said all Maltese had a duty not to harm the country. Recently, much of the overseas media, whether instigated locally or not, had been critical of Malta over the citizenship scheme, he said.

Partisan interests should not overshadow the national interest. Political battles should remain local if one truly believed in health democracy, Mr Carachi argued. Harping on political issues abroad only served to harm the country. The politicians needed to set an example of unity not only during Christmas but throughout the year.

He said the country was also harmed by the oil procurement scandal and going on in the judiciary. Both pointed to the need for reforms to avoid a repetition.

The truth needed to be revealed, and those responsible needed to answer for their actions.

Mr Carachi said the proceedings before the Public Accounts Committee were serving to detract the public's attention more than to reveal the truth.  There was need to remove suspicions on how the presidential pardon had been granted to oil trader George Farrugia and whether it had been granted to reveal the whole truth or to cover up somebody.

In other parts of his message, Mr Carachi looked forward to constitutional updating and said the country needed to establish a Nation Day which united the people.

He also underlined the work done by the GWU to stamp out precarious work, saying progress had been achieved but more remained to be done.