Malta should not embark on “adventures” during this critical moment for the economy, Spanish MEP Teresa Jimenez-Becerril Barrio said yesterday.

“This is not the time for dreams. Everyone loves change but when you are in such a good position, things can get worse. Just look at the countries around you,” she said.

Speaking at a Nationalist Party press conference, she gave a testimonial about how Spain’s socialists had kept the real financial situation of their country hidden and failed to carry out necessary reforms.

She said her country was now making huge sacrifices to tackle skyrocketing unemployment, with youth unemployment hitting 56 per cent.

Ms Jimenez-Becerril Barrio said former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero’s had a “flower-power” attitude which he also applied to the economy, leading to the country’s economic woes.

Also addressing the press conference was PN deputy leader Simon Busuttil who elaborated on his party’s proposals for youngsters, namely the strengthening of stipends and incentives for young entrepreneurs.

Speaking about The Times’ debate on Tuesday night, Dr Busuttil highlighted the fact that Labour leader Joseph Muscat praised PN’s proposal to give a grant to 21-year-olds to visit a European country of their choice.

During the debate Dr Muscat mentioned this proposal when he was asked whether he agreed with any of PN’s proposals. Dr Muscat claimed this was one of Labour’s original ideas but it was struck off the manifesto as part of a cost-cutting exercise.

“This is a clear admission by Dr Muscat that when Labour wants to cut costs, the first people to suffer will be youths and students,” Dr Busuttil said.