Should the government not face a confidence vote when Parliament reconvenes next week, it will still face a key test when the Budget Measures Implementation Bill comes up for the vote.

Asked how he will vote on that Bill, MP Franco Debono told timesofmalta.com this afternoon "I will not support the government, I have no confidence in it."

He preferred not to give further details when pressed.

The Budget Measures Implementation Bill is a Money Bill and has the same importance as a Vote of No-Confidence. Its rejection would effectively nullify the budget measures.

The Bill could be approved if Dr Debono abstains and the Speaker casts his vote. The situation would be totally different, however, if he votes against.

Dr Debono had already said he will vote against the government in a confidence vote.

The Budget Implementation Bill includes clauses authorising  the government to borrow up to €700 million.

It also includes the budget measures on vehicle registration and the tax on oil bunkering activities.

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