Delia reiterates call for suspension of IIP scheme

Nationalist Party leader Adrian Delia yesterday reiterated his call for an immediate suspension of the Individual Investor Programme (IIP) until an investigation into how the system is being abused is carried out.

Speaking on the party’s radio station, Delia said that it was clear that the way Maltese passports were being sold to foreigners was being abused, further tarnishing Malta’s reputation.

He was referring to a documentary broadcast on French television, which highlighted worrying issues surrounding Maltese passports being sold to foreigners with no due diligence carried out on those buying them.

Instead of showing that it wanted to address the issue, the government was simply dismissing the problems, Delia said.

The government should take political responsibility for the mess, Delia said, adding that Prime Minister Joseph Muscat was directly responsible because the scheme fell under the remit of portfolio.

Delia also referred to a pre-budget document made public by the PN on Friday, saying it dealt with all sectors of the Maltese economy.

He said that while the numbers showed that the Maltese economy was doing well, certain sectors, such as the environment and infrastructure, along with some parts of society, were suffering.

“There are challenges that need to be faced,” Delia said, “so that all citizens can benefit from the economic progress the government has been boasting about.”