A tense week for the government ended calmly yesterday as outspoken Nationalist MP Franco Debono voted in favour of the Budget estimates involving the Justice and Home Affairs Ministry.
Franco Debono is holding the Prime Minister to ransom
When Dr Debono refused to state his intentions earlier in the week, there was speculation that he might take his criticism of the justice system to the next level by abstaining or even voting against the government – even though he had ruled out such a possibility in an interview with this newspaper last month.
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi made a surprise announcement on Thursday that he was considering splitting the ministry headed by Carm Mifsud Bonnici – a move which Dr Debono has been advocating.
Despite having his Budget allocations secured, Dr Mifsud Bonnici yesterday emerged from Parliament looking dejected, telling journalists “no comment” even before he was asked about the Prime Minister’s plans, which sources say upset the minister who recently underwent surgery. Dr Gonzi also declined tocomment.
Meanwhile, an upbeat Dr Debono told The Sunday Times he never threatened to vote against the government on Budget-related issues and his concerns were strictly related to the Bill presented by Dr Mifsud Bonnici on Monday.
The Bill consists of a series of amendments to the Criminal Code, ranging from more lenient treatment of drug users to the unionisation of the Police Association. It is expected to be debated in January.
“It seems some people are noticing the need for amendments and a change of mentality in the way this sector is tackled,” Dr Debono said outside Parliament after yesterday’s vote.
“Reason has prevailed. I think the Prime Minister has now made a commitment about something he has been thinking about for months. So concrete steps are being taken to address the situation,” Dr Debono said, referring to Dr Gonzi’s intentions to split the Justice and Home Affairs Ministry.
However, the government yesterday issued a statement denying a story aired on Labour’s One News claiming there would be a Cabinet reshuffle which would see Beppe Fenech Adami, Robert Arrigo and Jason Azzopardi promoted. The government said the story was fabricated and false.
This does not necessarily mean that the Prime Minister has decided against dividing the ministry.
Sources said one of the options being considered is to keep the Cabinet as is but simply amend the portfolios of certain ministers. However, the Office of the Prime Minister declined to comment on this.
PN sources said that although Dr Debono was right about the need to divide the Home Affairs and Justice ministry, his criticism was regularly coinciding with important votes, leaving the Prime Minister with no leeway.
“Dr Gonzi does not have a choice but to accede to Dr Debono’s demands because the other option is going for an earlyelection. As a backbencher, Dr Debono has every right to put his valid points forward. But you can’t abuse this right and come up with something before every vote. He’s holding the Prime Minister to ransom.” Dr Mifsud Bonnici is the second minister, after Transport Minister Austin Gatt, to be put under pressure by Dr Debono’s actions.
Timeline
Monday, November 28: Carm Mifsud Bonnici presents amendments to criminal code at a press conference.
Tuesday, November 29: Franco Debono criticises several amendments and says they should have been discussed in PN parliamentary group.
Wednesday, November 30: Dr Debono refuses to state voting intentions onBudget vote.
Thursday, December 1: Lawrence Gonzi says on Net TV he is considering splitting the Home Affairs and Justice Ministry.
Saturday, December 3: Dr Debono supports government on Budget vote.