Sant does not share EU's values - PM

Alfred Sant's "obsession not to join the EU at all costs" stemmed from the fact that the EU was an absolute guarantee of democracy and would not allow a prime minister to ignore the results of a referendum, Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami said on the penultimate day of the electoral campaign.

The EU was based on family values and the principles of solidarity and subsidiarity, which Dr Sant did not share or appreciate. Hence his obsession not to join, which was also due to the fact that he craved power and did not want any obstacles at his feet, Dr Fenech Adami said in a party activity at Lija.

He said the Opposition leader was slapping Labour supporters in the face because he did not care what they had voted for in the referendum.

Even Labour candidates and former ministers believed in EU membership, but did not have the courage to tell Dr Sant that he was making a mistake.

Although he had nothing against Alternattiva Demokratika, Dr Fenech Adami urged the electorate to vote for all the PN candidates because an absolute majority was required and no risks could be taken.

Dr Fenech Adami said that during a debate between the two leaders on TVM yesterday, Dr Sant was quick to lose his "cool and calm" attitude in a constant attempt to defend himself, but his arguments were "crippled".

He asked where the MLP would get the money to provide Lm1.5 million a year in scholarships to students.

He also denied that the signing of the EU accession treaty could be postponed. "If Malta does not sign on April 16, it will be out of the EU, with all the ugly and disastrous consequences that come with it."

Finance Minister John Dalli denied a report, which he said was expected to appear in today's l-orizzont, saying that a tax on property would be introduced.