Watch: EU 'will fail' unless populism is tackled, warns Busuttil

Brexit was the result of populism and the European Union could fail unless it dealt with rising populist sentiment, Simon Busuttil said this afternoon.The Nationalist Party leader was speaking at a press conference during the European People’s Party congress, which is being held in Malta today and tomorrow.

READ: The Brexit process is now underway

This is the first time that the EPP congress is taking place in Malta, and the event, according to Dr Busuttil, was being held in “interesting times” for Europe, and also for Malta, ahead of the general election.Dr Busuttil noted that the triggering of Article 50, which will kick off the Brexit process, required a “significant reflection” not only on the part of the EU, but also the UK itself, especially following the Scottish parliament’s vote for a second referendum.

“Brexit is the result of populism, but populism is not limited to the UK. Populism is rearing its head everywhere - in Europe and beyond. Unless we deal head-on with populism, the EU will fail,” he said.

READ: 'Day one of a difficult road', says EU's Brexit negotiator

Populists, he noted, often spoke about problems but did not offer any solutions.On the other hand, we...