Tat-Tkexkix: Delia Says 6 Localities Have More Foreigners Than Maltese – Muscat Fires Back

Former Prime Minister of Malta, Joseph Muscat, has responded to Adrian Delia’s recent claim that six localities across Malta are experiencing “tat-tkexkix,” a term used by Delia to suggest that there are now more foreigners than Maltese residents in these areas.

Muscat said he would not question the statistics cited by Delia but emphasised that the statement deserved a response. ‘Otherwise, it risks becoming like the hospital debate, where nobody responded, and everyone realised too late that what was said was untrue,’ Muscat remarked, adding that legal restrictions prevent him from commenting further.

He noted that at least three of the areas mentioned Sliema, St. Julian’s, and St. Paul’s Bay have long been popular with foreigners who retire or work in Malta.

Muscat highlighted the economic contributions of foreign residents, pointing to Sliema and St. Julian’s, where a significant portion of the gaming industry workforce resides. “These are highly paid individuals who contribute substantially to taxes and local spending. Delia’s discourse does not reflect this reality,” he said.

Former Prime Minister noted, ‘If Dr Delia had limited himself to saying that there are localities where landlords abuse their position by accommodating more people than they should, or that there are employers (I believe a minority) who take advantage of these individuals, he would have been correct.’

Muscat added, ‘Here I must commend Minister Byron Camilleri and Parliamentary Secretary Andy Ellul, who through their efforts led the Food Delivery Riders Association to reach an agreement with the General Workers’ Union to protect these workers.’

Muscat concluded by asking how many so-called ‘scaremongering’ foreigners the Nationalist Party intends to remove, whether it plans to block or push out gaming companies to reduce foreign residents, and how its stance affects the many Maltese families with foreign spouses. He added that Malta will still need thousands of foreign workers under a four-day week.

Muscat also said an English version would be published to make his message clear and to press the party for answers.

#MaltaDaily