Juan Ameen
Absent MP ducks under the radar
PM has lost control - Labour
Nationalist Party backbencher Franco Debono, who on Monday left his party without a parliamentary majority when he walked out before a vote was taken, failed to come forward with an explanation yesterday as speculation grew over why he was absent at that crucial moment.
The MP did not make himself available for comment despite strenuous efforts to reach him. His law firm colleagues would not give information of his whereabouts while he failed to answer several calls, with his phone even hanging up at times.
The same happened with a number of PN officials who were trying to contact him, a party source told The Times.
Dr Debono was seen in Parliament at around 7 p.m. on Monday but was not present later when two votes were taken on amendments proposed to a motion for the setting up of a select committee to draft regulations on assisted procreation.
One of the amendments was proposed by the opposition, which was to have the Speaker of the House, rather than a PN parliamentarian, chair this committee. The other was proposed by the government side. For some reason which remains unexplained, Dr Debono went missing during these votes and would not answer calls on his mobile phone during a lengthy absence from the House.
As a result, both votes garnered 32 MPs in favour and 32 against.
The proposed amendments were then defeated through the Speaker's casting vote. The original motion was only passed after Dr Debono returned later in the evening.
The situation did not mean much for the government in practical terms since it was not a vote of no-confidence or a financial vote, which could have threatened it. However, the episode provoked much speculation within the PN yesterday and provided it with a chilling reminder of the vulnerability offered by its single-seat majority.
Labour's media speculated that a parliamentary group meeting yesterday afternoon was intended as an emergency meeting in which the Prime Minister would threaten a snap election to rein in people like Dr Debono.
However, PN sources flatly denied this, pointing out that the meeting had been scheduled well before Monday. In fact, the group was given a presentation by planning authority chairman Austin Walker as part of the agenda of the meeting.
On leaving the meeting, PN Whip David Agius also denied there was pressure on Dr Debono to resign after his absence in Parliament on Monday.
Still, the Labour Party insisted that events confirmed the Prime Minister had lost control of his parliamentary group which would have serious repercussions on the country.
Instead of facing what happened in Parliament, Dr Gonzi typically tried to evade the problem by not speaking about it, the Labour Party said.
One theory being peddled by flabbergasted PN officials was that Dr Debono is angry at a rumour making the rounds that the Speaker and main rival on his constituency, Louis Galea, could find his way back into the Cabinet again after John Dalli's departure to become a European Commissioner.
"To be completely honest, nobody knows why he acted the way he did but the main theory seems to be this Louis Galea connection," one PN source said, adding this was only speculation. "Whatever the reason he has really crossed the line as far as many are concerned in the party."
The fact that Dr Debono was incommunicado yesterday meant he could not be asked to confirm or deny this suggestion.
The MP has been often lumped with a list of other "disgruntled backbenchers", however, he has consistently denied forming part of this camp and recently even declared that he does not feel disgruntled.
However, the rivalry between himself and Dr Galea's faction on the fifth district, which was won by the 35-year-old in the last general election, is well known.
What happened in Parliament
In a statement, the Office of the Speaker gave an explanation of why Dr Galea cast his vote twice over proposed amendments to two parliamentary motions.
Two motions were before the House on Monday evening and two votes were to be taken: to set up a select committee to draft regulations on assisted procreation and to set up another to make recommendations on the re-codifications of Maltese law.
There was a tie of 32 votes in favour and 32 against when two votes were taken on amendments proposed to the motion for the creation of the assisted procreation committee.
One amendment had been forwarded by the government and the other by the opposition. Both were rejected by the Speaker's casting vote.
Parliament then voted on the original motion for the assisted procreation committee which ended up with a government majority of 33 votes in favour and 32 against (when Dr Debono returned to the Chamber).
Another vote was taken on the opposition's proposed amendment to the second motion, on the select committee on re-codification, and it was rejected with 33 votes against and 32 in favour. The motion was then passed by the same margin.
According to Erskine May, seen as the bible of parliamentary practice, the Speaker should always vote for the original motion to remain in its original form, the Office of the Speaker explained.
Furthermore, the Speaker should always vote so that, if possible, debate could continue and, where further discussion was not possible, the final decision should not be taken unless backed by a majority of MPs. That was what happened yesterday, the Office said.
The last time the government failed to muster a majority in the House was during the 1996-1998 legislation when Alfred Sant was Prime Minister. The government currently has a one-seat majority in the 69-member House, compared to a five-seat majority in the previous legislature.
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gaffarena joseph
Dec 18th 2009, 16:44
Re Joanna Farrugia.
What makes you think he is doing this for those who casted their vote to him.?
Come on,this MP,want in his short time as an MP to have the role as a minister,
and he is doing this only for his personal reason.He can easily help his voters
as an MP.
His voters gave him their vote because they are nationalists, and they wanted
that with their votes there will be a nationalist govt.and not in giving him a ministry.
I, am more than sure that his political life will soon be over for him.In my humble opinion
even if it was an MP, from the labour side,I,am totally against of such a cowardice move.
After all we all know about this international crises,and I, wonder what he will be able to do
if he will become a minister, so this come to the conclusion, that what he want is purely, on
a personal reason.
Some MP,s,instead of thanking the lord for the good luck that he gave them, want more and
more ,and are never fed up with what they just won.
joanna farrugia
Dec 18th 2009, 15:42
@ Emanuel Camilleri meta l partit laburista kien fil gvern kien talab ghal pairing pero gonzipn ma ridtx itih.allura tippretendi li issa pl jaghtih il pairing? alfred sant meta kien f'din is sitwazzjoni li hu l-prim sejjah elezzjoni issa ghal gonzipn ma jridx? minniex qed jibza?il pl ma ghandha xejn x'taqsam f'dan kollhu.
Emanuel Camilleri
Dec 18th 2009, 13:51
Kieku il-Prim Ministru Ghazel li jaghmel Speaker membru min naha ta l'Oppozizzjoni bhal ma kien se jaghmel li kieku il-Labour accetta il-pairing, tahsbu li kieku li Speaker kien se jitfa il-casting vote favur il- Gvern?
joanna farrugia
Dec 18th 2009, 12:46
@ gaffarena joseph yes i call franco debono a gentleman mp for many reasons.1st he had the guts to face truly gonzipn 2nd he always said that for him 1st come his voters and 3rd he is a MAN not like gonzipn and his party.they lie switch facts full of arrogance.while gonzi went to talk abt "climate" issue why he didnt mention what he will be providing in malta with his new plan for powerstation?do you call gonzi a gentleman? if he is sure abt his mp's mr gaffarena why doesnt he call an election?heqq hu qal par idejn sodi hux u ghala meta ltaqa mal membri tal pn ma saqsix ghal vot tal fiducja????
Mario Farrugia
Dec 17th 2009, 21:42
History repeats itself. Dr Sant was leader enough to go for elections when he had the same treath. He did this against the advise of his close councilors. Dr Gonzi is in the same position. He should prove if he is the Prime Minister or not. Go for elections. We don't give a shit about your party's internal problems. You are being paid to do the job of a Prime Minister and , the country is not in a good situation: It needs a pair of good hands : which you don't have. You even went to the rescidence of the MP to discuss the situation; that's lost time which we are paying for.
gaffarena joseph
Dec 17th 2009, 20:53
One important thing was not mentioned about this MP. When he left the palace, he switched his mobile off.. Do we call this gentleman an MP?
Fenech M D
Dec 17th 2009, 17:39
Nahseb li kieku s-Sur John Dalli baqa' Malta, kien jirnexxilu jaqqad partit iehor li verament kien ikun il-Partit Nazzjonalista, ghax taht Dr Gonzi, l-PN tilef ruhu. Kieku jien s-Sur Debono, nirrizenja mill-PN u noqghod indipendenti halli nkompli nwettaq il-weghda tieghu li jiggieled ghal-kostitwenti li darb'ohra jivvutawlu bil-kbir talli wera li hu ragel. Nahseb li s-Sur Debono huwa wiehed mill-ftit irgiel li baqa' fil-parlament. Nispera li ma nitilfuhx u ma jcediex ghal pressjoni li qed issirlu mill-PM.
Mario Fenech
Dec 17th 2009, 14:10
@Martin Abela & Jospeh Cauchi
You seemed very worried that Dr. Debono could threathen the PN Govt and causes a general election. You are challenging him to resign...a thing that not even the PM can ever request him to do, because our electoral system says that the voter vote for the representative and not for the party. who voted for Dr. Debono wanted him in parliament first and formost. He coul;d do like Wenzu Mintoff did in the 80's, reign from the party and stay as member of parliament. Get it? With what arrogance and authoruty you oblige him to resign? i don't think that you would have written the same when Mintoff threathened the MLP Govt in 1998. On the contrary I'm sure you would be hoping and approve of what he did.....Hypocyrits.
Joe E Galea
Dec 17th 2009, 11:46
Franco Debono has the guts to stop the everyday blunders and dictatorship of the GonziPN regime. The other PN MP's who have recently expressed their discern in public now should follow Dr Debono's move, otherwise they should shut up and be accomplices to the disaster being inflicted by this shameless government.
mary lee cauchi
Dec 17th 2009, 11:18
@C Schembri...Conservative thinking at its best....Just to keep the status quo(Ma jmurx jaqa l gvern madoff!)..We need new blood,and people like Dr Debono..Anzi,the people in the pn have to thank God that they have young blood who are really fighting for interest of the people..Unfortunately,they have little say over matters,and therefore,they have to show their disapproval in one way or another....I wish we had these people in our 1998 labour government,who could stand up to Dr Sant's unwise decisions,and make him think twice..But I guess the most revolutionary of the bunch was an 82 year old by the name of Mintoff..I think that revolutionary you are born,and you die that way..We need more people like Dr Debono and Dr Muscat...
A.Attard
Dec 17th 2009, 10:05
One TV yesterday disclosed the Prime minister together with his wfe visiting Franco at his home in Ghaxaq. This was the best example of how a Prime minister should act in such situations in the interest of the nation and of the party after Franco was incommunicado yesterday. Members of Parliament are human beings with all the human aspects like all ordinary citizens.
The Prime minister did not call Franco 'Traitor' like Alfred Sant did to Mintoff in 1998, but went himself together with his wife visiting Franco at his home, like a father would do if a dispute would arise with one of this children.
dusty williams
Dec 17th 2009, 09:58
Isehjjah General Election? kieku kien ragel bhal ma kien Alfred Sant iva!
C. Schembri
Dec 17th 2009, 00:39
Martin Abela : I agree 100% with all of your comment. We lost Dr Louis Galea because we were given a very splendid illusion (called Franco Debono).
Hon. Speaker Dr. Louis Galea has the 3rd highest position of the Republic of Malta, a much deserved seat for a person who gave so much to Malta (whether you agree or not with the politics he believed). I, together with so many others, owe him so much his contribution in the Maltese Education.
Manuel Micallef
Dec 16th 2009, 23:04
Why are PN supporters angry at Franco Debono, anyway?!!
are they not confident that they will win a snap election now?!
and how come MPs now have to be loyal to the party at all costs? did the same people say the same when Mintoff voted against MLP???
No logic -
Galea. L
Dec 16th 2009, 21:44
jbusuttil
How desperate of Gonzi to remain stuck to his seat when even his back-benchers are revolting against him! If Gonzi still thinks that he has the support of the people, why doesn't he hold a General Election to confirm his support? He shouldn't be a CHICKEN should he?
jbusuttil
Dec 16th 2009, 20:14
@ L.Galea
HOW DESPERATE FOR POWER
Andrew Cumbo
Dec 16th 2009, 19:55
Only Mr. Franco Debono is not happy???? What about others JPO and Mr. Robert Arrigo. Bondi Plus is still echoing their comments.
a.sciberras
Dec 16th 2009, 19:07
Very well said Dr. ABC
G_Vella
Dec 16th 2009, 18:56
@Albert Cachia
Who said electricity bills would be lower by operating an HFO plant instead of natural gas? Dont you know that the diesel plant has to be replaced after 7 years? Who will pay for this re-investment which runs into millions? Who will pay for the dumping of 30 tonnes of waste every day? Who will make good for €4m in commissions 'to tap higher circles' ? If you really believe Austin Gatt's declaration that the diesel plant shall bring down prices, then I'm sorry to say but you're gullible.
One other thing re cost. It seems that life is meaningless to you. I care for my health and that of my children. Nothing costs as much as health and if you want to really save money, then take good care of yourself, breathe fresh air, and not risk health hazards caused by a heavy fuel plant.
Galea. L
Dec 16th 2009, 18:07
Albert Cachia
It seems that you are a little pn elf who finds no objection to being robbed by the Gonzi government. Yes ROBBED Cachia, because the price of oil has gone down not up. The tariff increases are to make good for the incompetent EneMalta management and for the controversial environment damaging power station extension and the commission that was paid apart from the requirement of modifying it a few years from now with a cost of further millions from our taxes.
J Martinelli
When you start living here and feel the pinch like us your comments will be more accurate and not be taken with more than just a pinch of salt. As for Dr Debono, he will get more respect from the electorate for standing up for their rights and stand up to Gonzi's arrogance than submitting to his diktat.
mario gellel
You are right.
Only a vote of confidence through a GENERAL ELECTION. Are you going to call a GENERAL ELECTION Gonzi? Go on. Don't be a CHICKEN. Do it.
Patrick Zahra
Dec 16th 2009, 18:04
Dr Debono is the only PN member of parliament who has the guts and integrity to stand up for his constituents.The governments decision to fuel the delimara plant with HFO goes against the interests of our country and is a threath to our health and environment! I would like to show DR debono my appreciation and encourage him to do what needs to be done!
Albert Cachia
Dec 16th 2009, 17:48
@ G VElla - are you ready to pay hefty bills for water and electricity? If you are I'm not. So enough of all these spokes in the wheels or are we going back to the time of KMB and the delimara PS saga? We want to continue to develope our IT and without electricity nothing moves. Otherwise let's throw out the air conditioners which the maltese public have purchased since they gobble up so many units. And let's keep malta's roads in the dark like the time when Labour was in power. Is this the Malta you want? Malta in shambles? We dont want it like that. Progress must continue. We're not labour elves, we are the progressive and modern people of Malta.
Adrian Borg Cardona
Dec 16th 2009, 17:22
Issa ahjar, Sur Martinelli! You are now even annoying Nationalists. From your contribution it is clear that you have no idea what is going on here and how the Maltese mentality works. You are repeating the same mistake the inner core of 'Gonzi-ites' are making every day - attacking those Nationalists who dissent (e.g. FAA) instead of trying to understand them That is the best way for the ones on the perimeter to be lost and the ones in the inner core to gain more power. How short sighted they are! Very soon there will be no one left except those who see what they can gain out of their party in power. How the NP has changed since Eddie's days!
Charles Sammut
Dec 16th 2009, 16:46
@ J Martinelli
"To be ambitious is good, to be obstinate is unproductive and a nuisance. Should he cause grief to the government, he will pay for it come next election!"
Don't be so hard of Dr Gonzi, remember he has very little experience in 'real' life and has had "greatness thrust upon him."
Mario Caruana
Dec 16th 2009, 16:38
@ J. Martinelli
I never said that there's no place for Mr. Galea in parliament. I agree with you that he is a valid person and can contribute with his experience both in parliament and for the PN.
But on the other hand I believe that it is not right if he is offered a cabinet post instead of the other backbenchers that were elected on their own merit.
I just want to remind you that it was Gonzi himself who asked us to vote for new faces so that he can give us a Cabinet full of new faces. We voted as he asked us? The least we expect is that he gives us what he promised!!
I think that this also what Mr. Debono is expecting!! After all if it was not for himself and other backbenchers like Mr. Arrigo and JPO who garnered thousands of votes of disgruntled PN supporters the PN is on the benches of the opposition.
So can you explain to me why our PM is discarding these MP's??
And what about the 'new' powerstation? Do you want it on your doorstep??
Mario Spiteri
Dec 16th 2009, 16:27
Louis Galea il-freedom fighter imma hemm ukoll Louis Galea il-part time farmer version ukoll ghax mid-dehra ninsew din meta jaqblilna.
Il-PN vera tilef il-boxla Fejn huwa r-rispett lejn dawk li kellhom pjacir jivvutaw ghal Franco Debono jew Robert Arrigo ? Jigifiri l-opinjoni taghna mhux kunsidrata mill-partit u mill-Kap taghna. Allura tajjeb li dan il-Gvern anke jekk kontra qalbi jispicca ghax tlifna kollox tlifna l-principji li dejjem kienu parti integrali fis-snin 80 tal-partit. Il-partit sar biss grupp tan-nies anzi cirku tond ta' l-istess nies u ahna l-votanti sempliciment bcicen, ghalfejn naghmlu elezzjoni bil-preferenzi tal-kandidati, ghalfejn? skond dak li qed jigri mhemmx konsiderazzjoni ta' dawn il-preferenzi. Il-votanti huma biss tapit biex nghaddu minn fuqhom tajbin biss biex nohorgu nivvutaw, tajbin biss biex nohorgu l-flus ghall-Partit u xejn aktar. Suppost wara l-elezzjoni ta' Gunju kellna nkunu aktar attenti tal-grassroots imma milli jidher is-soltu paroli u xejn fatti. Dan il-gvern kull ma qieghed jaghmel huwa jtawwal l-agunija tal-partit allura ahjar jaqa u nibdew nahdmu biex nergaw nibnu partit gdid partit b'ucuh godda tindifa totali minn fuq sa isfel u f'hames nergaw lura fil-gvern imma ta' l-inqas b'partit mibni fuq ir-rieda tal-votanti tieghu u mhux ta' klikka marbuta mall-poter.
J Martinelli
Dec 16th 2009, 15:55
@ Mario Caruana
So your district constituents opted to vote Franco Debono in and left Louis Galea out. Now Dr. Galea may be co-opted to Parliament. So what? There is space for both, or is this something quite personal between Dr.Debono and Dr. Galea? Now THAT should not be and it is about time the constituents of the district get together and try to coexist! One thing is certain, Dr.Debono stands to lose respect if he continues to act like he is acting right now.
I hope he does not expect to be appointed Minister in lieu of a seasoned former Minister who pushed education forward to the level it is today.
To be ambitious is good, to be obstinate is unproductive and a nuisance. Should he cause grief to the government, he will pay for it come next election!
G_Vella
Dec 16th 2009, 15:46
@T.Scerri
I do sympathise with you on the recycling plant issue. After all we live a few km away from each other. (I'm from Marsaxlokk). The issue here is not that I oppose a power station or recycling plant in my vicinty. It's about the technology chosen for these projects which makes me freak. The Government changed the law in the middle of a tendering process, lowering national standards to the detriment of us residents. Opting for dirty diesel instead of natural gas is beyond belief. Therefore, on this basis I urge Franco Debono to oppose the power station contract.
j Demicoli
Dec 16th 2009, 14:27
Dr Franco Debono you have our support. We elected YOU on the 5th district. Gonzi has to stop treating the SOUTH like a bunch of idiots. Power station; Freeport, illegal immigrants, lack sport facilities; heavy industries, you name it, we either havit or we will be lumped by it if a) it is something that pollutes b) it is something that the Tourist reservation areas of the North does not want it. We have paid for our properties, we appreciate our environment and above all we have a right to a healthy living like any other Maltese citizen. Gonzi must stop his bulldozing attitude with the South.
Dr Franco Debono you are the ONLY one who has stuck out your neck for us 2nd class citizens. Keep on the good work!
T.Scerri
Dec 16th 2009, 13:30
@G_Vella,
Well done for trying to defend your district through your MP. Wonder if you sympathized when we were trying to defend ours as regards the Sant.Antnin Waste Recycling Plant. When we tried, the comments we got were all about the NIMBY Syndrome. Well my friend, now you know what it feels like. Hope your cause fares better than ours did.
G_Vella
Dec 16th 2009, 13:02
Franco, do not kneel down to pressure. Keep strong and oppose with all your strength the new power station that will ruin our region. We've elected you to represent our interests first and foremost. A power station run by heavy fuels producing 30 tons of toxic waste a day is no mean joke! If other Ministers complain about your attitude, invite them to setup the power station in their districts.
Daniel Muscat
Dec 16th 2009, 12:49
This country runs amock with rampant and illogical speculation every time some issue is sensationalized by a rather immature media and a power hungry opposition led by an egocentric! What happened in parliament is the result, not of a weak government, but of a government that believes democracy starts at home (within its own MPs ranks) ..on the other hand one could say the opposition is weak when ALL its MPs vote as they are told to vote by their whip! Is it possible that they all agree on the issues? (I wonder!)....people need to weigh up the facts and decide just who is really credible and who is hiding behind a beaming smile like some dishevelled chesire cat!!!!!
Joanne Micallef
Dec 16th 2009, 12:38
As one who believes in DEMOCRACY I totally agree with Mr Mario Caruana, the people have spoken and their choice should be respected.
Mario Caruana
Dec 16th 2009, 12:11
In this blog many people are like assuming that Franco Debono did what he did because he is frustrated that Louis Galea will be co-opted to parliament and given a ministerial post immediately. Why blame him???
The people of the 5th district had a clear choice between Louis Galea and himself and we opted to elect Franco Debono and discard Louis Galea. So, Franco Debono is doing what he should be doing .... he is being our voice in parliament.
Franco.... we support you all the way... you are reflecting our feeling towards this government that betrayed us, that betrayed our vote.
We were promised new faces and not old ones, we were promised a better standard of living and not higher water and electricity bills and drainage taxes, we were promised state of the art healthcare and not waiting lists running into thousands.
Finally but most importantly we were promised a better environment and not a 'new' power station powered by heavy fuel oils.
I wish to ask these people that are trying to lambast you whether they want this type of powerstation on their doorstep.!!
Well done Franco!!!!
John Schembri
Dec 16th 2009, 12:10
You would think the government would learn a lesson in humility from an episode like this. Indeed from being elected with a slim 0.3% relative majority. Yet I see nothing humble nor sensible in this government's actions. And that is a sad day for this country.
A.Zahra
Dec 16th 2009, 12:02
If Debono is not happy with his status in the PN he should resign or stop making a fool of himself. As far as many of us are concerned he has now overstepped the mark. Enough is enough
Joseph Cauchi
Dec 16th 2009, 11:28
Can we, just mere simple folks who elect our parliamentary representatives, know what’s going on with Franco Debono, who seems to be giving a hard time to the government?
Let’s not hope that this is just mere personal ambitions and or an axe to grind!
All our representatives must understand and realise that no one is a “god” and if today one is where one is, tomorrow one could easily be where one started just a few months ago, and readily forgotten like all the others before.
We, the voters, choose whom to elect and we, the voters choose whom to DISCARD!
Fools rush in, where wise men fear to tread, Franco!
JC.
Martin Abela
Dec 16th 2009, 11:23
Franco Debono is the same all over again.
If Franco Debono thinks he is anything close to Louis Galea than he is utterly wrong, Franco Debono was still wearing a nappy when L. Galea was fighting for Democracy and Freedom in this country.
If Franco Debono cannot play as part of the team or likes to do his own game he should then call it quits from politics, his attitude and actions are not gentle manly.
So Franco either get your self in line and get your act straight or pack your bags , by the way this is your first time in parliament, you are new and should not expect to go up the ladder too quickly, I for one, will not vote for you again, you are proving childish to say the least.
I hope the PM takes the right decision and reintroduces Louis Galea to Cabinet, he is the strength who suffered the Past, the man with a vision and the a rock of strength to the PN.
ASpiteri
Dec 16th 2009, 11:13
Whether u approve the current government or not, it is disgraceful that an elected MP threatens the stability of the government due to a personal rivalry with another deputy of the same party.
This is how the present political class made a travesty out of the principles of Democracy!
mario gellel
Dec 16th 2009, 10:57
MALTA WITNESS AN EPISODE THAT ONLY HAPPENS IN A COUNTRY RUN BY A DICTATOR.
WE DON'T CARE IF IT WAS WHAT IT WAS. ALL WE CARE AS MALTESE IS THAT GONZIPN WAS CALLENGED BY HIS OWN MP'S. IN A DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY, ONLY A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE WOULD BE ACCEPTED. THIS SHOWS WERE MALTA STANDS RIGHT NOW.