Labour MP Joseph Cuschieri this evening gave up a parliamentary seat he has held for 10 years, opening the way for Joseph Muscat to be co-opted to the House on Wednesday, so that he can take up the reins as Leader of the Opposition.
Mr Cuschieri handed his resignation letter to the Speaker, Louis Galea, after making an adjournment speech in which he said several times that he viewed this as a “pause” in his parliamentary activity, an indication that he would seek re-election.
Mr Cuschieri said that contrary to the norm, his resignation was not the outcome of differences or disagreement. He was giving up his seat out of a sense of service and loyalty to the country to enable Dr Muscat to be co-opted to the House.
This, he said, was far from being the end of his political activity in the interests of the country and the Labour Party.
Mr Cuschieri said he strongly believed in the vision and abilities of Dr Muscat and he was sure that he would make a success of his new position, in the same way as he made a success of his years in the European Parliament.
His decision to step down was not an easy one, Mr Cuschieri said, but it was still an honour and a privilege for him to take it. Serving the country sometimes also meant making a sacrifice.
He said his experience in Parliament had strengthened his sense of service, loyalty and love for the country. He said no one deserved to be called honourable if he sat passively on his Parliamentary seat without seeking the interests of the country in the face of injustices, discrimination, corruption or poverty.
He however felt that the institution of Parliament needed to be strengthened. Many of its practices and Orders had become outdated and needed to be reviewed.
He also wished to see greater collaboration between the two sides and greater tolerance to criticism.
Concluding, Mr Cuschieri spoke briefly on the country, saying he wished to see families strengthened. He wished to see partisan politics pushed aside in matters of education and health, he wished to see poverty banished, he wished to see respect extended to all people in this country, independently of nationality, race, gender, or religion.
He also wished to see a better environment, a stronger national identity and stronger democracy – including an improved electoral process and a system of party funding based on the Australian model.
Mr Cuschieri thanked the Speaker, MPs from both sides and his friends for their assistance and friendship. He also augured that Labour MP Karl Chircop would soon return to the House.