[WATCH] Busuttil extends hand of cooperation to Muscat: ‘National interest above all’

Busuttil extends hand of cooperation to Muscat

The momentous decision taken by the UK voters to leave the European Union has created a new level of uncertainty not just for the country itself but also for the member states of the EU.

Among them is Malta, who has lost an important ally around the EU table.

“The decision is disappointing but it is a clear one the citizens’ will has to be respected,” Opposition leader Simon Busuttil told a press conference, convened following a meeting of the PN parliamentary group.

“Above all, it is clear that Malta must stand united to protect its national interest and, it is in Malta’s interest, the EU remains united.”

Arguing that the Maltese citizens themselves can testify to the benefits of an EU membership, Busuttil said the Opposition was willing to work alongside the Government in the national interest.

“We extend our hand of cooperation and we want to share our expertise on the EU … after all, the PN negotiated Malta’s accession to the EU,” the PN leader said, as he urged government to be clear on its plans to help mitigate as much as possible the effects of a Brexit on Malta.

“I truly hope that the government is well-prepared to mitigate the repercussions of any financial crisis that we may face.”

Busuttil also welcomed Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s position on any future talks of ‘Mexit’ – a Malta exit. “Yes, it would be suicide and I welcome that Muscat is finally seeing things as they are … the arguments he had used against joining the EU resembled those of the populist far-right.”

“We need a European Union which is and shows that it is closer to the people. We have done so in Malta and that’s why the citizens took such an important decision 12 years ago,” he added.

Busuttil, who on Monday will be in Brussels for a meeting of the EPP, also concurred that this is a period for reflection and not of hurried decisions.