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Leader of the Nationalist Party Simon Busuttil is in favour of banning the full-face veil in public spaces. In a reply to questions sent by The Malta Independent on Sunday, the Leader of the Opposition said he endorses the European People's Party (EPP) resolution. Dr Busuttil was referring to a resolution which was adopted during the EPP congress held here in Malta. The resolution is titled 'For a cohesive society: Countering Islamic Extremism'.
This was the theme which dominated the speeches by EU leaders who came to Malta on 29 and 30 March for the congress of the biggest political family. The speeches delivered by leaders like German Chancellor Angela Merkel, were all targeted to combat the rise of populism. As Dr Busuttil himself had explained, this congress was at a crossroads as many were questioning the future of the European Union. The event took place 48 hours after British Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon.