" desist from populist statements which are aimed at character assassination"  Why?  If a man behaves like a crook, why can we not call him out on that?  Is it "character assassination" if it's true?  If the truth is insulting, it is not those who speak it that are at fault. 

Dear Minister, if I cheat on my civic responsibility (evade paying taxes) can I also refute the criminal labels as character assassination against me? I didn't think so.  Buddy, you're crook.  Own it.