Prime Minister Robert Abela insisted there were no inconsistencies in his apparent turnaround on increased military spending. Speaking on ONE Radio, the PM clarified that during the recent European Council summit, he supported proposals for increased defence spending by the EU, highlighting the importance of bolstering defence capabilities amidst rising security threats. Abela stated that his endorsement was contingent upon safeguards being in place to uphold Malta’s principles of non-alignment and neutrality. He acknowledged the economic and security motivations of some EU states for enhancing defence capabilities, particularly in Eastern Europe. However, he emphasized the necessity of respecting the diverse defence policies and beliefs of all member states. (Maltatoday)
PN accuses PM of hypocrisy on defence stance
During an interview on Net TV on Sunday, Nationalist Party leader Bernard Grech leveled accusations of hypocrisy against Prime Minister Robert Abela. Grech pointed out that Abela had taken to task MEP Roberta Metsola for advocating increased defence spending by the European Union, only to later support the same proposal himself. Grech highlighted that after an entire campaign targeting Metsola, the Prime Minister reversed his stance and aligned with other EU leaders in voting for the proposal during last week’s European Council meeting. Abela’s vote came after weeks of campaigning where he accused Metsola and the Opposition of wanting to send Maltese young people to war. (Times of Malta)
Zammit Dimech expected to be appointed Acting President – reports
Former Nationalist Minister Francis Zammit Dimech is expected to be appointed Acting president in the upcoming days. Media reports to this end indicate that this agreement between the major political parties was reached following a compromise solution on the appointment of former Labour speaker Myriam Spiteri Debono as President. This appointment marks the first instance requiring a two-thirds parliamentary majority following constitutional amendments ratified in 2020.
