Franco Debono - 'no comment' on confidence motion, but calls for Constitutional reform
MP Franco Debono this afternoon preferred not to comment on the no confidence motion moved in parliament this morning by the Opposition, although it appeared that nothing has changed since he said last week that he would vote against the government.
"I hope that all this leads the people to realise that the country must urgently embark on an important process of Constitutional reforms which must change political culture and practices and reform the fundamental institutions of our democracy, including the law on political parties and party financing.
"Until then, unfortunately, political parties remain the most unregulated bodies at Maltese law," Dr Debono said.
The MP in the past few months had insisted that the government should move modern legislation on political party financing. He also presented a private motion outlining a wide range of reforms in the justice sector. Last week, minutes after the Cabinet reshuffle was announced, he called for the prime minister's resignation and said the prime minister was controlled by a clique.
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Rodnick Abdilla
Jan 14th, 11:40
Dr Debono has managed to stand up and hold his own against the whole PN machine of lies and deceit and he is still fighting. BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO !!!
mark borg
Jan 14th, 08:44
Love him or hate him ,we must all admit that Franco ...is MAN of the year !
Charlie Mallia
Jan 13th, 21:43
As Mr Hans Borg said Dr Debono is one big hero we all know what goes around in Politics but we can very have proof as we are not inside but people like Mr Debono know what they are talking about.Good on you mate.
William Flynn
Jan 13th, 21:12
I am at a loss why commenters keep saying that a general election isn't a healthy thing to do in the present political mess the cowardly PN (who won’t sack its “flip-flopping” leader) has driven Malta into.
In every other situation like this, in Malta and every other country, where an erratic intransigent leader isn't removed by his own party, it is always a clear mandate from the people that clears the political muck and the cobwebs and offers a fresh cleansing wind of change.
How else can democracy renew itself peacefully in a civilized manner?
Francis Saliba M.D.
Jan 14th, 06:45
Elections at their proper time are a good thing but "changing horses in mid-stream" during a world-wide economic crises, that is being successfully tackled by the incumbent government, merely to assuage the personal ambitions of one individual is NOT a good idea at all!
Paul Micallef
Jan 17th, 07:32
Successfully being tackled? Yes tell it to the marines! That's why the EU has not accepted your government's budget!
Mr Hans Borg
Jan 13th, 21:11
Dr Debono, remember that, through history, there have been many men who were never afraid to stand up for what they believed in. Today we call these men HEROES.
Joe Portelli
Jan 13th, 22:12
May be they are Heroes , after the event.
However, there are bold politicians and there are old politicians, but no old bold politcians. His last amend is to vote with the party he was elected and then persuade the rest with his ideas.
John Tabone
Jan 13th, 20:38
Franco Debono...the way you are pleasing Joseph Muscat in unbelievable...Your pompous friend is enjoying every moment..doing everthing possible to ridicule Lawrence Gonzi... I only hope that you haven't gone far to form a pact with your former classmate...you know what you have to do...that is if you're a true Maltese Nationalist (all your colleagues the back benchers "kollha ta stoffa" ..showed us what a true blue person is made of...)
Can you imagine what blow to Joseph's morale and his cocksure over confidence.... if you had to vote in favour with the government or abstain or even go for a needed short holiday....."taf kif jispicca siehbek...jitkellem wahdu..."
Mr saviour magro
Jan 13th, 21:33
Jekk kemm il-darba L-onor FD jivvota favur il-gvern u jkun hawn l-armonija u l-istbbilita fil-pajjiz ikun mertu ta Dr.JM ghax il-priministru Gonzi ma kienx kapaci jiehu stand u konna nibqghu ma nafux fejn ahna ax Gonzi baqgha jistahhba u jkaxxkar saqajh u ma refghax ir-responsabilta ta priministru b'par idejn sodi u beza jmur ghal vot u jiffacja ir-realta.IL-BIZA L-GHADU TA SUCESS HABIB.
E. Vassallo
Jan 13th, 20:35
Jien ma nafx ghaliex il PN iridu izeghlu bi Franco. jekk hemm bzonn imorru fl-Oppozizjoni basta ma nhalluhx jaghmel li jrid. Il-fsied ihassar l ulied. Ara min Franco
simon micallef
Jan 13th, 20:10
jien ma nafx x qedin jistennew biex jejdulna li bejn il partit tal pn u franco debono irrengaw kollox ma nafx ghalfejn dan iddewmin kollu malta zghira u il kelma malajr tigri lanqas li kien xi sigriet kisu ta fatima hallina sur franc kollox back to square one paroli si fatti no
fredu debono
Jan 13th, 19:58
Franco, dan il-mument malajr se jaghddi u int se tibqa mfakkar bhala traditur tal-partit tieghek u purcinell tal-partit laburista. issa tara jekk twaqqa l-gvern kemm se jibqghu jifirhulek.
Alfred Falzon
Jan 13th, 20:23
@ fredu debono
Is this the type of language that can draw Dr Franco Debono back to the NP fold?
Insults galore expose those who have still to learn what a democratic society really is!
Alfred A. Falzon
Hossam Helwani
Jan 13th, 19:38
If the Prime Minister is controlled by a clique, then what Dr Debono is doing is exactly what the clique is doing! Then he is just a jealous looser. He is just another controller.
You read a lot of books , you know them by heart, but you did not read the book of experience and prudence.
Time will tell you when you face that wall of no return. Pride is self destructive
John Fenech
Jan 13th, 19:36
At this moment in time the PN might be considering if what goes around will come around, most certainly the PL hope that it will, although they also know that it is not the opportune time for the goodies to be delivered.
On the other hand Dr Debono is the guy who can dispense either the goodies or the reprieve, I am sure that from a scale of 1 to 10 there are those who opt for 6 that barter might be on the cards, two resignations for the price of one! Any bets?
P. Ciantar
Jan 13th, 19:32
Franco you can have the chance to make your reforms for sure, but you would not be able after the LP non confidence vote . But at the present as an MP you still can voice your ideas and act accordingly.
R Axisa
Jan 13th, 19:44
Franco has been trying to change things for quite some time now, but he was totally ignored. The result of this is the present situation.
P. Ciantar
Jan 13th, 19:48
then what are you suggesting he should do Mr R Axisa
Joseph Borg
Jan 13th, 19:31
Looks like the PN mediation machine is now in full action. PN will do anything to get another 6 months of power, and are now probably selling their mother to Franco. So probably Franco will resign, his local political career is over no matter what, but what the heck! there's the EU! so let us expect to find him in Brussels in a couple of months. And, we, well we'll have to keep up with all this..
Fabien Calleja
Jan 13th, 20:27
Sour grapes much?
Anthony Pace Gouder
Jan 14th, 23:46
You mean . BUSUTTIL replaced by DEBONO in Brussels' and vice-versa in Valletta 's Parliament ? Hmm.......could be !
Noel Attard
Jan 13th, 19:25
Dr. Franco Debono the minute you vote against the PN goverment it will mean game over for you too, and
you will never, ever have the chance to be a minister. So I believe you are going to do better then that.
Kevin Sciberras
Jan 13th, 20:34
Noel Attard if you think you are going to fool Franco with threats and sweet words think again. He's an experienced criminal lawyer. He knows his time with the current regime is over. He also knows that other backbenchers think like him but are afraid to speak. Its always like that when there is a bully in the schoolyard.
Once the bullies are knocked out, people will finally be able to express themselves including Franco and others.It was like that in Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, Tunisia and Libya. These new leaders did not pop up overnight, 2012 will be Malta's spring revolution!
H. Galea
Jan 13th, 19:19
The mud slinging is simply superfluous and sickening ....
Francis Coquelin
Jan 13th, 19:35
If superfluous, how is it sickening?
Alfred Falzon
Jan 13th, 20:24
@ Francis Coquelin
How clever of you, Coquin!
K. Vella
Jan 13th, 19:16
Joseph Muscat tactics has showed his cards now.....
The cool approach has faded away.....tried to be seen and noted as progressiv and open to dialogue....Joseph Muscat could not use the ethical political process.....no he wants power....and it shows that his interest is just him.....
Franco, Joseph Muscat is using your emotions, ONE TV is using you, the Labour is using the tactic of divide and conquer....once they they take what they want will you imagine they will call you on ONE TV?
Franco you are intelligent enough to notice all this happening around you.....
R Axisa
Jan 13th, 19:42
The same thing happened in 1998 - Net TV (Pierre Portelli) went at Mintoff's house to interview him (you can find the whole interview on youtube)! History repeats itself ....... so true!
Ronald Bowman
Jan 13th, 19:10
I agree with Lino Maniscalco. For the sake of our beloved country's future, I hope that a mediator who enjoys the respect and confidence of both the Hon. Prime Minister and the Nationalist Party on one side and the Hon. Dr. Franco Debono on the other, will present himself, and, with some good will, an honorable agreement is reached.
Any sensible person who is aware of the present World Economic Crisis agrees that now is not the time to call a general election. The country cannot afford to pass through crucial months when the government is not fully focused on dealing with this situation, simply because it is also dealing with problems caused by a general election. This would have catastrophic effects on the island's economy.
I am sure that Dr. Franco Debono does not want to go down in History as the government MP who brought down the government at such a critical time with catastrophic consequences. I am sure that as a result such a learned person would not live with peace of mind.
Francis Coquelin
Jan 13th, 18:54
Franco: Iddeciedi darba ghal dejjem ghax jekk ikolli nhassar safra minn habba elezzjoni bikrija nibghatlek il-kont.
M Cauchi
Jan 13th, 19:57
hahaha ditto! Nistenna bhalek qieghed. Franco, kuragg!
P Farrugia
Jan 13th, 18:54
I hope Franco keeps firmly to his points and show that he is truely a No Nonsense politician.
This is also an eye opener to future governments not to treat the people as fools by promising everything before the elections and do the opposite after.
This is what we need, a new generation of politicians who take no nonsense from no one.
I call this healthy politics, so Welldone Franco and keep it up.
Richard Ellul
Jan 13th, 18:44
Dr. Franco Debono. You can still prove yourself by being mature and logical. Tarax sa l-ponta ta ,mnieihrek imma ippjana ghal futur tieghek fil-Politika billi timmanuvra fl-ghalqa tal-politika b-mod li ma tqajjimx maltemp. Ghandek idejat tajbin + grinta bsahhitha li trid timmatura. Good luck.
Mario Vella
Jan 13th, 19:27
prosit! kumment bis sens
Joseph Sammut
Jan 13th, 19:32
Imma issa mhux diga haraqa l-ghalqa?!! Idejat tajbin mhux bizzejjed: jaf isuq il vapur imma ma jafx kif idahhlu mal-moll.
Richard Ellul
Jan 13th, 19:52
@ Joseph Sammut
Il-votanti tal-hames distrett jiddeciedu jekk haraqx l-ghalqa jew le. Naturalment ma jridx jahraq il-bridge li ghaddej minn fuqu.
James Grech
Jan 13th, 18:43
Hey wow!! Franco must be pleased with the change in tune from many bloggers who have been condemning him for the past days. It might also be the case that in the next hours we will be hearing a similar change in tune from the PM, who might reconsider his call for Franco to resign. Let's see whether the PM is really interested in keeping the throne of power by bending backwards, yet again, or whether he really has the country's interest at heart and independently of what Franco decided to do, he calls for an election.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Jan 13th, 18:56
@ James Grech.
Bloggers who are true gentlemen attack actions not persons - that is the reason why comments "change in tune" as soon as a person modifies his behaviour.
Joseph Aquilina
Jan 13th, 18:41
With his actions franco made sure that laws on party financing will never be introduced.
Kim Ddemajo
Jan 13th, 18:39
Resign high achiever !!!!!
V Caruana
Jan 13th, 18:34
Naħseb hija ġennata minn naħa ta' Jm li meta jaf li għandu biss 34 membru favurih jressaq mozzjoni ta' sfiduċja. Qed joqgħod fuq vot wieħed biss minn naħa tal-gvern jiġifieri ta' Franco. Jekk JM jitlef dan il-vot .....
Franco huwa nazzjonalist allura .....tista tafdah?. The enemy of my enemy is my friend mihiex sagrosanta. Just wait and see.
T Gauci
Jan 13th, 19:38
L-ebda partit ma jkun tilef xejn la ta gonzi u lanqas ta muscat, bhal ma jghidu linglizi whoever wins we lose - u dawk huma ahna li ma narawx blu jew ahmar jew leali lejn mexxej imma serjeta u kredibbilita.
Lino Maniscalco
Jan 13th, 18:33
I agree with most of the reforms Franco is requesting. At the moment a general election is not healthy for Malta. In my opinion there should be a mediator between Franco and the PN where negotiations should take place so the government binds himself to carry out the reforms and if there will be an honorable agreement Franco should vote with the government.
R Dem
Jan 13th, 18:30
If Dr Franco Debono goes ahead and will furnish us with a Labor government, will he reach his goal ? Will his close hearted reforms be put into practice? will the country improve? democracy will be improved? or he will fly away to Italy or some other place and we have to live with his repercussions?
When you are half way up, you are always half way down.
David John
Jan 13th, 19:01
We have been long full way down not only half.
Peter Bonnici
Jan 13th, 18:27
If the PM was controlled by a clique, then how come FD be prepared to serve under anyone else, including, one assumes, another clique member?
Kenneth Galea
Jan 13th, 18:25
Hmmmmmmmmmmm complete change in the tone of Franco Debono. He seems more mellow in sharp contrast to today a week ago.
We do not know what Franco is thinking right now or about the contacts he had from prominent PN supporters or the PN party itself.
I cannot see Franco making a U-turn now, it won't make sense but if he does it will be so devastating for the PL supporters. I don't think Dr Joseph Muscat will then pursue the issue further, in fact he already declared that the PL is in no rush for a general election. This means that we will then have closure and a general election will be held in 14 months time. I hate to see bickering on these blogs but then again this is a heated debate which some cannot tackle in a mature and professional way.
David John
Jan 13th, 19:03
In fact Dr. Joseph Muscat only wants stability in our country. He already stated that Malta is in no position of holding an election.
Clint Zammit
Jan 13th, 20:21
Joseph muscat jinteressah biss li jsir priministru , ma licken cans hataf l opportunita.
J.C. Borg
Jan 13th, 18:16
Franco, ilni nafek mindu kont student u dejjem ammirajt it-tenacita' tieghek. Dejjem wasalt fejn xtaqt., imma jekk issa taghmel pass hazin titlef kollox.
Uri li dawk li (sfortunatament) qed jinqdew bik li inti aktar jimpurtak mil-gid ta' Malta u l-Maltin milli li tpaxxi lil-min mohhu biss biex jahtaf il-poter.
Claire Abela
Jan 13th, 18:43
Naqbel mieghek perfettament, allura possibli daqshekk hu mkabbar bih innifsu li lanqas qieghed jinduna x ser jigrilu!!!!
Milli qeghdin naqraw dan l ahhar, il moves kollha li qieghed jaghmel ilu johlomhom minn mindu kien ghadu student ghax it tezi tieghu fuq dawn is suggetti kienu!!!!
tal misthija .............
David John
Jan 13th, 19:10
@ J.C. Borg and Claire Ablea,
Mela biex tibqghu fil-poter intkom tridu lil Dr. Franco Debono imur kontra l-principji tieghu. Tajba din eh. Malta hija demokratika u ghalhekk kulhadd ghandu id-dritt ta' l-opinioni.
J.C. Borg
Jan 13th, 19:10
@ Claire Abela - Ma narax ghaliex wiehed ghandu fhiex jisthi ghax dejjem fittex li jasal fejn xtaq.
Issa li jonqsu Franco hu li ma jitlifx kollox.
R Dem
Jan 13th, 19:46
Sur David John . . . . . . Mela ma tafx li Franco Debono mhux indipendenti, ghandu l istrutturi fejn jwassal il mesagg, jekk ma jhossux komdu jaf x'ghandu u sippost jghamel. Ohrajn bhalu hekk ghamlu, marru ghal triq ohra mhux kif qed jghid li ser jghamel.
Antoine Zammit
Jan 13th, 18:10
@Aaron Vella.
Mhux li kien jehesra! Minn fommok l'Alla siehbi. Il-Pajjiz u l-Maltin se jkunu f'genna ta' l-Art dalwaqt. GonziPN's days are counted.
Alfred Falzon
Jan 13th, 18:28
@ Antoine Zammit
There is no earthly Paradise...
That was a long, long time ago...and it was LOST!!
But man never learns and still dreams of heaven on earth!
Alfred A. Falzon
Joe Camilleri
Jan 13th, 18:04
Its amazing! PN supporters are against Debono, PL supporters are in favour of Debono. Debono musn't like both sides but I believe he is after what he considers best for the country. It's up to him to decide. He is making history and how he concludes is up to him. We, common citizens are watching.
lucian mercieca
Jan 13th, 18:02
Dr. Franco Debono , I believe that your aim has been reached and I admire you for your courage, but now i cannot understand why you have to go to the very end with this matter. If the Labour Party will not carry out all the reforms you have mentioned , it would be a waste of energy , unless you have a personal issue.
Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO
Jan 13th, 17:59
Perhaps some PN supporters are still willing to join FD in singing these refrains:
Good times for a change
See, the luck I've had
Can make a good man
Turn bad
So please please please
Let me, let me, let me
Let me get what I want
This time
or the beatles lyrics
Help, I need somebody,
Help, not just anybody,
Help, you know I need someone,
Help!
Francis Coquelin
Jan 13th, 18:26
I'll sing but you have to dance.
Alfred Falzon
Jan 13th, 18:31
@ Albert Leono Ganado
Who needs really this SOS? PN or LP?!
Just toss a coin: heads or tails?!!
Tony Grech
Jan 13th, 17:58
I suggest (if possible) that the Constitution be amended so that when one member of parliament from the Governments side disagrees with an issue which is approved by all of the other Ministers and that issue is not related to the budget bill such member is required to resign and be replaced. This makes much sense in the current situation where we have only two parties and the average difference as regards votes is minimal (one seat majority). This will be of benefit to both parties. We already have 1998 (PL GOVT) and and 2012(PN GOVT). Even if PL is elected I would not be surprised if the same thing happens in the next five years. This is a disastor to the economy - long term planning is no longer possible. The current situation, where it seems unlikely that a full 5 year term will be enjoyed, will result in both parties elected in Govt taking short term decisions and avoiding unpopular long term policy decisions much needed for the benefit of the economy. Both parties should agree to address this situation. As regards Dr Franco Debono I have no doubt that he will not go back on his word to vote against the Govt, this would be a disaster for his reputation both as a lawyer and a politician. I will not judge Dr. Debono's decision but I just hope that he did not act as he did solely because he was not appointed a minister. It will always be impossible for a prime minister to appoint everyone minister so this situation is now expected to be repeated.
Joseph Mizzi
Jan 13th, 19:16
Mr Grech: I wonder how much thought you did put in order to come up with this absurd solution.
Have you considered the fact that in the last elections, even though Labour lost, thanks to the distribution of voters in the electoral districts, it managed to secure three seats more than the PN? Do you realize that as things stand today, Labour is in a position to win five seats more than the PN?
Going for an election today will secure stability for the next five years, don't worry!
Lino Busuttil
Jan 13th, 23:28
Your democratic credentials will impress the North Koreans a lot! With your argument there is no need for patliament just one PM and decide all himself.
Angus Black
Jan 13th, 17:55
Dr Debono insists that Constitutional reform is necessary. Fortunately, if Franco keeps his promise he will definitely not have any say in how, when, what or why such reform is warranted.
Mr Stephen Borg
Jan 13th, 18:08
And if he voted with the government will he have any say on such reforms? What he is doing is all focused on the way he was being treated by the administration where he is only heard when he threatens not to vote with the government.
Sammy Vella
Jan 13th, 17:53
Jekk qatt kelli l-icken dubju li Malta mimlijja bil Gakbini u nies Doppia Faccia il-lum nehhejt kull dubju. L-ewwel kissruh lill Franco Debono u tghidx x aggettivi ma tawhx. Ippruvaw ikissruh fizikament, moralment u mentalemt u issa imsieken joffrulu l-id tal-hbiberijja forsi jikkonvinci ruhu jaghmel U TURN. Ara Vera ahna poplu gakbin Kellna bzonn ikollna iktar bhalu minn kull partit politiku li ghanna u jista jkollna f'Malta halli hadd ma jitkessah u jaghmel lillu inifsu jew partit xi Alla il fuq mill ligi bla rispett ghall poplu in generali. J'alla din il bicca tispicca b wicc il gid ghall gid ta Malta u taghna ilkoll imma ejja ma nkunux ilpup liebsin ta hrief huti maltin u ghawdxin
R Bonello
Jan 13th, 18:39
weel said !
Mary Borg
Jan 13th, 17:48
I really cannot understand and tolerate the arrogant behaviour of the PN supporters. First you tried to pass this brilliant man through all possible mediatic torture not only through the legitimate PN media but also through unofficial PN biased means like PBS newsroom, WE and DCG calling him names and passing him for insane. And now, all and sundry and trying to call him back to his senses using this pathetic patronising tone. Can't believe these PN supporters think they have some kind of divine right to rule.
If the country is going through such good times, there is nothing to worry about even if an early election is called as I am sure Dr Gonzi would be re-elected, right? I hope TOM will publish this comment as not every comment is aired despite living in a free country with a right for freedom of speech.
Joe Calleja
Jan 13th, 17:40
OK Franco. Your made your points and rocked the boat enough. Now do your duty towards your Nationalist constituents, and don't make them regret the trust in you. I'm convinced of your genuine intentions, and you're strong enough to continue your campaigns in the name of your PN constituents. I'm also sure that for the same reasons you're not ready to commit a political suicide. Be valiant and wise!
M Borg
Jan 13th, 17:51
Mr. Calleja
I agree 100%. Hope that Franco takes your advise.
Tony Grech
Jan 13th, 18:10
Whether Dr. Franco Debono votes in favor or against makes no difference now - either way he will have to shoulder his actions. The PN will surely not trust him anymore (and I believe that this is justified) even if he votes with the Government / he will surely not be elected next time. This is not his first time and there is no guarantee that he will not do it again. In fact he has only one option now - to show that he keeps his word. I doubt whether he wants to be remembered as a boy that says one thing and does the other.
m. borg (slm)
Jan 13th, 18:14
Any MPs duty is to the whole country and not a district that is what the oath of office is all about, as far as I know it does not say that an MP must do all in his capacity to defend the 5th or 6th or 13th district,whatever but an oath to Malta.
Jeffrey Mallia
Jan 13th, 17:39
Licking licking and more licking comments towards Franco Debono.......Insejtu kemm ajjartuh gimgha shieha ?? ipokriti u oqbra imbajda.
Angus Black
Jan 13th, 18:07
Yes licking, licking and more licking by Joseph and the LP. Seems to me that the LP needs Franco more than the NP needs him, otherwise he would be minister by now and Joseph would have had to wait for a chance to become prime minister for yet another fifteen months.
If Malta wants to play Russian roulette, then so be it. In any case, Joseph already won being Labour leader and Franco lost being a distrusted MP on his way to private life and never to be a minister, let alone prime minister. He should really give up the battle and do the honourable thing and resign his seat.
He will then have ample time to write another thesis, this time about "how not to go about trying to outdo a classmate'..
Dr Sant - the perfect title for your next book - 'A Tale of Two Students'. One happy ending, at least.
Francis Coquelin
Jan 13th, 18:12
Mhux vera. Jien ilhi ma nbajjad xi sentejn, per ezempju.
m. borg (slm)
Jan 13th, 18:16
Angus I think a fitting title for a Dr Sant book would be "The PM with two faces".
Alfred Falzon
Jan 13th, 18:34
@ Jeffrey Mallia
No need to fall upon Dr Debono's detractors like a ton of bricks!
The price could be high for them!
Alfred A. Falzon
Francis Coquelin
Jan 13th, 18:49
Alfred Falzon jew Alfred A. Falzon? Kun preciz ghax hawn qed tiddisputa mad-dutturi.
Alfred Falzon
Jan 13th, 19:00
@ Francis Coquelin
I wouldn't mind adding Alfred A. Falzon to distinguish me from another Alfred Falzon who happens to be my namesake as you shouldn't mind yourself using "Coquin" instead of "Coquelin"!
Francis Coquelin
Jan 13th, 19:44
Actually Coquin is my middle name. But don't tell anyone that.
Alfred Falzon
Jan 13th, 20:28
@ Francis Coquelin
I like your sense of humour!
In fact, you should be proud of it!
Alfred A. Falzon
j brincat
Jan 13th, 17:36
@K. Vella
"Bravo Franco, be cautious in your statements.....Labour is using the situation, they are just interested in power not what is good for the country"
And the PN supporters savagely attacked him, character assassinated him, ridiculed him, called him names and did not even spare his loved ones.
(jb)
Maria P
Jan 13th, 17:36
If Franco Debono will vote for no confidence vis-a-vis the government, will this assures him that his fought for reforms will take place… I doubt it!
Joseph Buttigieg Attard
Jan 13th, 17:35
THE END OF GONZIPN IS NEAR .. THE EARLIER IT DISSAPEARS IS THE BEST IS FOR OUR DEAR NATION!!!!
Alfred Falzon
Jan 13th, 20:33
@ Joseph Buttigieg Attard
It could be...It could be not!
Is Heaven on Earth so close?...Really?...
Alfred A. Falzon
Jeffrey Borg
Jan 13th, 17:29
If Franco votes in favour of a no confidence vote we will all suffer consequences , and the blame would lie squarely on no one else but him.
Everyone is responsible for his actions.
John Micallef
Jan 13th, 17:46
Yes, but I think that the PN in governemnt - although they have done lots of good for the 'collective' - have also done many mistakes, no wonder they were boycotted by thousands in the 2008 election.
When I see how it's always the big fat cats that get the cream in Malta, the way the environment has been totally ruined with building, the way our precious land was leased out to speculators without even putting the smallest weight on the specualtors to contribute to society by way of allcoating part to social housing; I hate the way finances are being run and also have heard lots of complaints about who gets assistance in business, etc...and guess who complains most? PN supporters who are being left out inthe cold!!! Not to mention the millions spent on projects which in the end did not render the desired results.
If an election comes up, I sincerely don't yet know whether I will vote, except if to keep the witless PL out!!!
Victor Vella
Jan 13th, 17:47
Prosit Sur Borg. Jaqaw int il-Boss ta` Franco Debono?. Ha tkeccieh mix-xoghol jekk ma jaghmilx li tghidlu int?Din hi id-demokrazzija li tiftahru bijha? Sewwa qal Debono. Democracy is at stake. Jaqaw Malta Sur Jeffery Borg fuqek qed iddur?
Mr Peter Korsten
Jan 13th, 17:26
"[...] and said the prime minister was controlled by a clique."
It took him a while to figure that one out.
VINCENT WILLIAMS
Jan 13th, 17:23
Dr Franco Debono is correct that Constitutional reforms are needed in regards to political parties financing. It is clear that the PN is more against such reforms than the PL for GonziPN had all the time to include such a law but absolutely did nothing.
Aaron Vella
Jan 13th, 17:23
Franco kompli haffer il-hofra tal-karriera tieghek. In-nazzjonalisti li ivvutawlek mhux se jahfruwilek qatt din!Issa forsi titla bil-1s tal-laburisti li qed juzawk biex jitilghu fil-gvern huma. Imbasta tridha tal- bravu, ha titfana taht gvern laburista. Dik bravura e!
michael scicluna
Jan 13th, 17:35
hahaha paxxina!!!;)
brian spiteri
Jan 13th, 18:11
Kompli ikteb sur aaron Vella ghax bi kliemek qieghed thaffer iktar il-hofra ghall gonzipn. Iktar ma tbezzghu bil babbaw iktar niehdu gost ahna il-laburisti ghax qed tikxfu fil berah x'tip ta nies vera intom, ilpup libsin ta haruf.
Fromu Bolli
Jan 13th, 17:22
Gabuh liebes ta baby, ghamlu blog kontrih fuq face book biex iwarrab, ghax urihom certifikat ta l-iskola kemm kien inteligenti ghajruh mignun, issa jilaquh qeghdin, mamma mia qallu li Lou Bondi kemm int giddieb fahxi, ma jiflahx izjed ghalihom kemm huma Oligarki, Franco Debono huwa Avukat kriminali u biex tasal sa hemm jrid ikollok stamina ghax meta titlef xi kawza tbghati u la jirbah hafna kawzi jidher bic-car li huwa kapaci, issa triduh idur wara li qlajtulu min kollox u gibtuh ma jiflahkomx izjed, jien floating voter u minhiex sejjer inpaxxi lil PN ghax issa bic car x'atitudini ghandom il PN
Alfred Falzon
Jan 13th, 18:40
@ Fromu Bolli
Such base attacks will backfire and make them regret such misdoings for the rest of their life!
Dr Franco Debono's integrity is as strong as ever and will be a prelude to a new beginning in Maltese politics!
May other MPs from both sides of the House emulate him for Malta's good!
Alfred A. Falzon
C Pace
Jan 13th, 17:21
Its amazing. Who the heck wants a Government to govern for more than 25 years? Its a Government elected by the majority. But does it make any sense? I just dont bother about politics - and definitely a floater.
E Gatt
Jan 13th, 17:40
Just over 13 years ago (not 25 years), we had a MLP government.
The main so called achievements were the economic chaos created by the removal of VAT, and the freezing of Malta’s EU application. Granted, that Labour government didn’t last long and most of us, Nationalists, Labour and floaters would like to wipe this experience from our collective memory.
K. Vella
Jan 13th, 17:20
Bravo Franco, be cautious in your statements.....Labour is using the situation, they are just interested in power not what is good for the country.
Richard Caruana
Jan 13th, 17:17
"calls for Constitutional reform"
Well, he's not going to be in Parliament to see them through, that's for sure, whichever way things go!
patrick atkins
Jan 13th, 17:17
Franco kulhadd jaghmlu zball. L-importanti hu li mhux li ma taghmilx zbalji ghax min ma jaghmel xejn ma jizbaljax,imma li taraf li tkun ghamilt zball. Thallix lil min jimlik bix xama.
Tarcisio Vella
Jan 13th, 17:16
The country needs you at this crucial time.
Your final decision matters.
Think not what the country can do for you but what you can do for your country.
M Borg
Jan 13th, 17:51
Agree, he should know that now is not the time to play about.
If he is a real NP at heart he should show it.
m. borg (slm)
Jan 13th, 18:17
"...What he can do for his country" is get rid of this two faced power hungry government .
Angelo Vassallo
Jan 13th, 17:15
@ Charles Massa
B'dak li qal (jew ahjar b'dak li ma qalx) Franco Debono illum lilkom il-lejburisti qisu dahlilkom hafna dubji serji ghaliex issa qeghdin titkellmu fuq "Casting Vote" ta' l-Ispeaker.
R. Balzan
Jan 13th, 17:39
Ang, ma tkun assolutament problema xejn. Ma tkunx issa, elezzjoni tkun sen'ohra. Li hemm fiz-zgur hu t-tkaxkira nobis li hemm lesta ghall-PN. Kif qatt jista' jkun mod iehor?
Aaron Cassar
Jan 13th, 17:11
sur franco bhal lumija ha jaghmilek il prim issa jaghsrek u idawwrek imbaghad jarmik bhalma ramik
Alfred Falzon
Jan 13th, 18:46
@ Aaron Cassar
Don't jump or rush to conclusions!
This citric acid solution of yours sounds too outdated as an antidote!
Alfred A. Falzon
Aaron Cassar
Jan 13th, 20:42
imma inti tidher inteligenti sur falzon sinjal li xi wiehed li qed tpapija int.
Alfred Falzon
Jan 14th, 12:09
@ Aaron Cassar
Il-memorja tieghi mhix qasira daqs tieghek, milli nista' nifhem, ghax int issemmi biss il-PN u tidher li l-PL (qabel maghruf bhal MLP) qatt m'ghamel xejn hazin lil hadd!
Li tghid li jien "qed impappiha" sejjer bil-bosta zball, u veru ma tafx x'qed tinsinwa, izda milli nifhem hawn Malta "min mhux maghna kontra taghna" ghal dawk li ghandhom xi partit ghal qalbhom!
Le, ghaziz kompatrijott, jien nemmen fid-demokrazija, il-lenti li nilbes insertat wahda li ma tarax lwien, sew jekk ikun ahmar, blu (bil-Malti ikhal), ahdar (mhux ta' Kadhafi l-biccier), ecc!
Jien Malti fuq kollox, l-istess bhal habib taghna Dott Franco Debono, li ghalih ghandi stima kbira u m'ghajjartux "traditur" kif ghamel l-arroganti Sant lil Mintoff talli waqfu milli jaghti b'xejn il-Forti Sant'Anglu lill-Kavallieri (anakronizmu per eccellenza) u l-Cottonera Seafront lil ditta Amerikana!!
Alfred A. Falzon
PS Wigibtek bil-Malti ghax dak hu wkoll ilsieni, izda fuq blogg ta' gurnal bl-Ingliz is-soltu nesprimu ruhna bl-Ingliz!
Inselli ghalik u j'Alla tifhem il-messagg tieghi ta' rieda tajba.
Edgar S. Galea
Jan 13th, 17:10
Dr Franco Debono, min qed jappoġġjak mhuwiex Nazzjonalist imma qed jisserva bik biex twaqqa' il-Gvern. Qed tkisser il-karriera politika tiegħek barra l-ħsara li qed issir lill-pajjiż f'dan il-mument. Issa taf li kulħadd wara l-Prim Ministru. Biddel l-attitudni tiegħek għall-ġid tiegħek u tal-pajjiż. Dan il-pass ikun kemm fl-interess tiegħek kif ukoll tal-pajjiż. Battalji rbaħt, pero mhux bilfors li tirbaħ il-gwerra. Issa taf li fil-Parlament u fil-Partit ħadd ma hu qed jappoġġjak imma kulħadd iridek tirreżenja.
A Micallef
Jan 13th, 17:27
"Issa taf li fil-Parlament u fil-Partit ħadd ma hu qed jappoġġjak imma kulħadd iridek tirreżenja."
appuntu, m ghandux xjitlef.
Mr CHARLES TANTI
Jan 13th, 17:33
Sur E.S. Galea hsara mux qeda issir xejn fdal mument, il verita trid tohrgggggggggg
Alfred Falzon
Jan 13th, 18:56
@ Edgar S. Galea
The so-called Maltese saying goes that "Min mhux maghna hu kontra taghna"...
I believe I heard this silly statement several times within party ranks of BOTH PN and PL!
So let's grow up and learn to be tolerant and appreciate constructive criticism from any quarter it might come!
Franco will stick to his word but will not be used by those who have ulterior motives.
He is intelligent enough!
Alfred A. Falzon
Patrick Zahra
Jan 13th, 17:10
I am sure Dr Debono will do the right thing. He is a person of integrity and has analysed and highlighted the country's political problems and the government's inadequacies for what they really are. This country needs people like him but unfortunately the PN was not ready to change itself and the country for the better. As a consistituent of the 5th district you have my support, Whatever You DO.
Dr Patrck Zahra
Giov DeMartino
Jan 13th, 17:39
Iva, ghandu hafna x'jitlef. Ghandu L-IRGULIJA jekk ghadha tezisti
Godfrey Camilleri
Jan 13th, 17:09
If Dr Franco Debono topples the government for a list of items that he is not happy about what guarantee does he have that a Labour government will implement any of his suggestions? I think he had more chance of seeing them implemented in time if he keeps fighting within his party to get what he is after. If he fails to do this, it will be more than obvious that the real reason that he is ruffled is not the amendments that he was after but his personal advancement.
R. Balzan
Jan 13th, 17:33
Dr Debono has spent most of this legislature trying to get his party in government to move on certain very vital issues. As everybody knows the PM (or his advisers) completely ignored him and only moved on the Arriva because he was hard-pressed in Parliament. Also it is abundantly clear Franco's vision for constitutional amendments matches that of the PL. Ergo the odds are that he will see his suggested amendments implemented by the PL in government.. I'm convinced that Franco's stance was never for personal advancement as otherwise he would have continued licking and back-scratching like his erstwhile party colleagues.
ALBERT FENECH
Jan 13th, 17:08
Ho Ho Ho - what a load of GonziNP bootlickers now crawling and bootlicking Dr Franco Debono. What about the petition against him? What about accusations that he is a "traitor"? What about promptings that he should urgently visit a psychiatrist? What about all the merriment because he showed his school certificate? All we are reading now is pleadings from the heart - welcome home dear boy - all is forgotten. How truly, truly sickening.
No matter what Dr Debono does now, the very roots of the GonziNP have been earthquaked and this is just the tip of the matter. All the other disgruntled backbenchers who have been hiding behind the courage of Dr Debono still have their axes to grind. There will be more earthquakes ahead.
ALBERT FENECH
Charles Massa
Jan 13th, 17:05
Issa nisperaw li dr Debono izomm kelmtu ie jivvota favour il mozzjoni tal PL
Kenneth Azzopardi
Jan 13th, 17:03
If we need a constitutional reform to have a few major changes in this country then so be it. We should first be seeking a true democracy without any hint of intrusion from any party concerned. At the end of the day there has not been any comment whatsoever that the maltese disagree with most of the proposals of Franco Debono. The judiciary changes need to be implemented immediately since these are long overdue. Court cases drag on for a life time with no interest to terminate. Court sentences are not delivered in a just manner and let us not forget that justice delayed is justice denied so let us all recommend these constitutional changes which will finally liberate our archaic legal system.
R. Gauci
Jan 13th, 17:02
Filli jghajjruh, issa f'daqqa wahda kullhadd jilghaqu. Sewwa jghidu gimgha hi zmien twil fil-politika.
Karl Abela
Jan 13th, 17:12
Issa dalwaqt jibdew jghajjruh tal-Labour!!
J Busuttil
Jan 13th, 17:15
Xemm differinti milli l-ewwel tfahhru u wara li jintuza tarmuh.
ALBERT FENECH
Jan 13th, 17:31
Mr Abela, no you have got it all wrong. If Dr Debono wishes to return to the folds of the "clique" that is his business. Our hope as non-GonziNP sympathisers is that once inside the "clique" he continues to work hard to dismantle it - easier said than done because the tentacles are greater than that of the Medusa. He has said and done many things and what has been said and done cannot be undone by the wave of a magic wand. His revelations of the inner workings of the GonziPN will long continue to reverberate.
ALBERT FENECH
Fromu Bolli
Jan 13th, 17:01
okorbu u ipprovaw ikkonvincuh bir rispett issa , l-ewwel ghajjartuh min kollox issa qed tadurawh LOL
lilly vella
Jan 13th, 17:01
ghajruh traditur , il pn kollu ghajru traditur .
Jeffrey Borg
Jan 13th, 17:16
Ms vella sa kemm jikritika lil partit li m’ghamilx bizzejjed jew li fl-opinjoni tieghu haga trid issir qabel l-ohra , jien bqajt nissaportih .
Jekk jivvota kontra l-Gvern tal PN li f’ismu jien ivvutajt lil Franco hemmek Franco jaf li jkun qed jittradixxi lili u ‘l kull min ivvutalu f’isem GonziPN.
Jekk jivvota kontra l-PN jkun TRADITUR , xejn inqas!
Alfred Falzon
Jan 13th, 20:53
@ lilly vella
It seems that diehards from both PN and PL tend to share a common denominator in time of crisis.
They just bawl out "traditur" whether in Cospicua as the PL did to Mintoff in 1998, or yesterday at the PN Party Headquarters in Hamrun, referring to Franco by the same adjective in their Press release!
Is this what we Maltese deserve, seeing outspoken compatriots on both sides of the political spectrum being called names?!!!
I am sure that both Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi and Dr Joseph Muscat, Leader of the Opposition, do not subscribe to such garbage language!
Alfred A. Falzon
Mark Portelli
Jan 13th, 17:01
Franco I'm seeing below some really honest and genuine comments. Rethink your position and save this government. Many people wish you well.
c. saliba
Jan 13th, 17:31
Laqghi!!!!
Mark Portelli
Jan 13th, 17:46
Example C.Saliba does not wish you well.
c. saliba
Jan 13th, 19:15
jien lilek ghidt laqghi mark mhux lil franco. Issa jekk il-kumment tieghek kien sarkastiku ma nafx. filkas naqbel.
Paul Saliba
Jan 13th, 17:01
Maybe Dr. Debono is considering to change his mind :) how can we have a win win situation? Dr. Gonzi will not resign, Dr. Debono will not resign, Dr. Debono will not vote against!!, Vote of no confidence will not pass... How can all these be solved with no one chicken out? Maybe Dr. Gonzi will apologise for not realising that Dr. Debono was driving his party in the right direction? But will Austin Gatt resign? OMG x'tahwida din :)
Angelo Vassallo
Jan 13th, 16:59
Franco kunn RAGEL ma min ghamlek nies, dak li inti llum.
Il-kostitwenti tieghek fil-5 Distrett u lill-kumplament tal-poplu Malti qieghed jistennik.
Alfred Vassallo
Jan 13th, 17:24
Sorry ta imma b'liema jedd tejd ''ma min ghamlek nies'' il pn ghamlu NIES??? jew hu ghamel nies lilu in-nifsu? Mela intkom tahsbu li il nies imginnen? Ara kemm ilkom izzebilhuh lilu u lil kull min imiss mieghu....sa taghmlu biha issa il petizzjoni biex tnahu? On hold? U il manuvri min taht biex tkasbru. Le ta mintomx ghaccana ghal poter!! u ha nejdlekk ohra kieku kellu jerga lura milli qal se jaghmel kif appenna tigu f'siekitkom minjaf x'taghmlulu wara talli ghadikom min din il buraxka. Nahseb sa thallu ghaddeja lixa l-affari!!! M'hux intom il nazzjonalisti
c. saliba
Jan 13th, 17:33
Eh mela issa ma ghadux tifel ta l-iskola sar ragel???? Ara vera laqa intom in-nazzjonalisti ta.
Alfred Falzon
Jan 14th, 12:29
@ Angelo Vassallo
Dr Franco Debono is old and intelligent enough to distinguish between right and wrong, just as his present and past constituents!
Who told you that the constituents of 4 years ago have still retained this frame of mind today?
Times change and mentalities follow suit, so don't you worry about loyalties and diehards, for today very few are inclined to accept being led by the nose!
Indeed, I have heard some Franco constituents hailing him a "hero" and a few others who don't give a hoot about the sufferings of others for fear of letting power slip out of their hands, calling him "traitor"!
Only general elections could solve this problem for the PN on the 5th District and bring out the support Franco still enjoys for daring to give a piece of his mind and stick to his principles!
But will the PN finally comprehend the unfolding situation and halt its wild attacks on Franco by some of its hardliners?
Will it accept Franco back into the fold in a bid to put once and for all its house in order?
Alfred A. Falzon
M Attard
Jan 13th, 16:57
mind games are being played
Francis Saliba M.D.
Jan 13th, 16:54
The most urgent amendment that is absolutely required as soon as possible is one that gives a credible working majority of seats (not less than three) to that political party that attains an absolute majority of votes in an election. A majority of one seat only is a negation of the democratic principle of majority rule and its substitution by a blackmailing rule in the hands of one solitary rogue parliamentarian willing to betray unscrupulously the trust of those who had voted for him mainly because his name figured on the list of one party whose electoral manifesto was their chosen preference.
P Farrugia
Jan 13th, 17:53
What about the dozens of unkept promises, welldone Franco, it also serves a lesson for future governments, not to treat the poeple as fools by promising them everything before elections and do the opposite after.
How about voting against the majority of the people, what would you have said if it was a different party.
This is what we want a new generation of politicians, who take NO nonsense from NO one.
Again a big Welldone to Franco and keep it up.
Paul Micallef
Jan 13th, 16:54
The things that he said will not change anything, he is a rebel, and he likes it that way, but even a rebel can have his own thoughts, why should he be SILIENCED???? What ever he dicides now or later the PN has no future,as the damge has been donPaul Micallef( Britains)
Alex Falzon
Jan 13th, 16:53
Lanqas haqq il-ferha bla temma ghal PL sabiex ikunu fil-gvern.... ghax l-elezzjoni se ssir f'waqta jigifieri 2013. B'rebha nazzjonalista ghal gid taghna lkoll!!!!
Mr Stephen Borg
Jan 13th, 17:07
As you seem capable of reading the future can you tell us what will we go through in the coming year. Please stop these senseless comments they really do not help to reunite the country in such difficult times
kevin sammut
Jan 13th, 17:12
Dream .......................
Peter Zahra
Jan 13th, 17:16
Who told you so ?? I am afraid that Dr Franco Debono's situation is very emberassing and he will not go back easily from his position to avoid being called a chicken or what ever else... He should have been more diplomatic and handle the situation in a more inteligent way. We have to wait and see ....
Alfred Grech
Jan 13th, 16:50
Stop tilghab noli, Franco and stop being a pinnur. You caused a big stir in Malta's politics and play like a man not as a child.,
Clifford Grech
Jan 13th, 17:06
Dahhal naqra taljan fin-nofs ghal naqra u taghmel soppa ta lingwi.
Alfred Falzon
Jan 13th, 18:26
@ Alfred Grech
Another insult!
Some people never learn and are unable to live in a democracy!
Alfred A. Falzon
Alfred Grech
Jan 14th, 00:47
Alfred Falzon, where is the insult? It's time Franco Debono makes up his mind and not state he's voting against, then he's abstaining and who knows what he'll say tomorrow. That's kids attitude.
Karl Abela
Jan 13th, 16:50
Go on Franco. Save Malta and support the prime minister in these crucial times.
J.C. Borg
Jan 13th, 16:49
Jekk Dr Franco Debono vera jrid li jsir dak li qed jghid irid joqghod attent li ma jwaqqax il-Gvern prezenti, ghax jekk issir elezzjoni malajr ftit ghandu chance jerga' jkun fil-Parlament. Min gewwa wiehed aktar jista' jwassal kelmtu milli min barra.
Franco take care.
Saviour Aquilina
Jan 13th, 17:02
Mhux ma Jitlax , But hope that the PN did`t accept HIM as a candidate.
Henry S Pace
Jan 13th, 16:49
It is to be said that this would not be the first time that a Government MP voted against his Government. On 9th October 1953 two Government Membersnamely Dr Fortunato Mizzi and Dr G m Camilleri voted against the government.
On the 19th November 1954 Minister John Cole resigned as Minister and on the 23rd November voted against the Government
For the record what Mintoff did in 1998 is known to all.
All the above instances the government was brought down and elections were held .
Joe Joe
Jan 13th, 16:48
Nisperra li izzhom l kelma tieghek
Edgar Azzopardi
Jan 13th, 16:47
Dr Debono; you are one of a kind. You have attracted the respect of people because your geniune concern for the good of the country has given politics a new breath of life. You have shown mettle which has not even been see in Maltese political history . You have done this by great personal sacrifcie - even more so for a young successful lawyer and a poltical rising star. I am sure you knew exactly what you were doing and for that you are paying a huge price. i
Please do not squander your efforts of these past weeks, and which cost you so dearly by backing away from your principles, Do not let anyone have doubts about your genuinity- where none has been till now, adn let no-one doubt that your principles, or you, can be bought. Do not let those who believe in you down. Be the man you have shown to be till now and show us all that your uphill battle in favour of democracy has not been a charade. Remember:'' the value of a true patriot is one who defends the people against their own government. '' ...and you are a patriot in the eyes of those who really have the good of their country at heart.
Ivan Fenech
Jan 13th, 16:46
What a ridiculous in self destruct mode. And a mediocre loser to boot.
E Gatt
Jan 13th, 16:45
Being a member of parliament gives Franco Debono more clout, than being a non-MP. If the government is toppled, then as things stand, Franco Debono’s chances of being elected are pretty slim.
If Franco Debono wishes to push through the constitutional and party funding reforms that he says he passionately believes in, then it’s up to him to reach some agreement with his party, and use the remaining 14 months of this legislature.
Alberto Mollicone
Jan 13th, 16:44
Prior to voting against the Government in a Labour steered no confidence motion did Dr Debono AT LEAST ensure that the Labour Party has included ALL his ideas in its electoral manifesto? Because you see Dr Debono, if you are so adamant of bringing down a whole government because, according to you, it does not want to go through with your proposals at least pose the same question to the PL and ask if it is prepared to not only consider but to IMPLEMENT ALL your demands (including draft laws) within your stipulated timeframes.
Paul@ Micallef
Jan 13th, 16:44
Lately in these comments I am noticing that some writers are reverting to the style that labour supporters used to write and talk during the Mintoff crises in 1998. PN supporters used to call them "il-bikkejja". Interesting to know what shall we call these writers now.
carmel muscat
Jan 13th, 16:43
sur franco debono jekk trid tohrog ta ragel insa kollox u jew tivotta mal gvern jew inkella irrezenja ax b ekk aktar tohrog ta ragel milli kiku tivotta kontra il partit tijjek stess
Thomas Mifsud
Jan 13th, 16:41
I don't want this man to be ever out of Malta's politics. If PN won't welcome you please go to PL because you have a lot to give to this country. You're giving us the people the chance we've all been waiting for, the chance to choose who we want to lead the country. No-one is divine and power become failure when you become rude and arrogant. Thanks DR Debono, Malta is thankful for the good service.
Mark. Galea
Jan 13th, 16:41
Tinkwetax Franco - Meta l-PL ikun fil-gvern jew ma jsir xejn minn dak li qed tipproponi int, jew jaghmlu haddiehor u jiehu l-mertu hu/hi.
U Franco ikun pogga lil Joseph Prim Ministru ... bl-gharaq u bit-tbatija kollha ...
John Borg
Jan 13th, 16:40
xebbajt lil kulhadd bl-istess diska1
Joe Grech
Jan 13th, 16:40
Hopefully our much respected President Dr. George Abela will work to ensure that much needed Constitutional, Justice and other Reforms will come about. It is common knowledge that there is so much to attend to. Certainly people are suffering at the state of affairs, for example, in our Justice system. As for the Courts, while many Magistrates do a good job, others are doing absolutely nothing of the kind. Rather their evident arrogance, incompetence and possibly abuse of their powers is giving a very bad name to one and all. The Maltese do not deserve to be treated with disrespect. Your Excellency, surely it is time for you to try to do something.........
John Borg
Jan 13th, 16:39
As if my mother cares whether criminals have a lawyer to defend them when they are interrogated or not. these issues only interest lawyers who want to create more work for themselves (and generate more income in the process). We want a stable government that can guarantee jobs not someone like you to generate instability.
J Mangion
Jan 13th, 16:38
Issa stick to your words Sur Franco ghax diga qedin ixommu lil hadt dawwar il kliem illejla !!!!!!!!!
Henry S Pace
Jan 13th, 16:37
Franco stay at home. You are a liability to the country.
John Borg
Jan 13th, 16:37
As if anyone cares about the legal reforms you are speaking about Dr Debono. What we want is a stable government led by able politicians who gave us the good jobs we have, in spite of people like you who worked to undermine everything. Go ahead, don't turn up in Parliament or vote with labour. You will be thrown in the dustbin of history from that day on. Go back on the government bandwagon before it is too late man!
T Gauci
Jan 13th, 18:52
"What we want is a stable government led by able politicians who gave us the good jobs we have"
Like the ones in Smart City or you're referring to the part time jobs in restaurants and kitchens with below minimum wage salary ?
Victor Vella
Jan 13th, 16:37
Hawn ahna faqqet. Gejja xi U turn. Sa nhar l-erbgha Debono jaf jerggha mmur fit-triq li kien qabel ma Gonzi u dawk ta` madwaru ghajruh traditur u ghamlu petizzjonijiet biex jitlaq. Shabu qalu hafna affarijiet ohra. Nisperra li ma jtihomx ragun!!!!!!!
Martin Saliba
Jan 13th, 16:27
This seem to be a final demand by FD . Is he trying to find a way out and vote in favour of the goverment ?
V Cassar
Jan 13th, 16:45
maybe he is just taking care of himself and his family?
Mr Lawrence Calleja
Jan 13th, 16:26
@ Franco Debono: Qed nitkellem mill-qalb u bniedem bl-inteligenza tieghek tifhimni zgur. Naf li qed tinduna li l-partit laburista qed jinqeda bik u bis-sitwazzjoni li int b'mod involontarju spiccajt fiha. Ghaldaqstant ninsab konvint li int bhall ma diga stqarrejt li ghadek u ser tibqa nazzjonalist, meta tigi ghall vot tieghek fil-mozzjoni li Muscat ghamel biex jitla fuq il-karru tieghek, ser tghidlu le u tivvota kontra l-mozzjoni. Toqghodx tiddejjaq ghall min qed jghid li int xi pinnur jew tghid haga u taghmel ohra. Dawn kollha kliem biex jipprovaw ipogguk f'kantuniera. L-importanti l-irgulija ghax gej minn familja tajba, familja b'valuri nazzjonalisti u ma tista qatt ticcappas bil-passat u l-prezent tal-PL.
A Micallef
Jan 13th, 16:37
tisimak titkellem tghid daw il passat u il present tahhom DIVIN
Mr Stephen Borg
Jan 13th, 16:46
His own people called him a traitor because he stated that in many instances this government failed and did not accept it's responsibility. This government has failed to fulfill the expectations of the people in every thing. The public transport reform for instance was needed but the way it was executed was far from acceptable. Who got the blame? No one. This is not acceptable for those who are not blinded by party colours and believes.
Joanna Gauci
Jan 13th, 16:48
Very well said.
M.Dolores Vassallo
Jan 13th, 16:50
Ghandek x'titlef donnok sur Calleja kif intom imwerrien min Elezzjoni Generali, hallu tigi jekk kif qieghed jejd il- PN li kollox mexa fuq ir-rubini, suppost tmorru mhux hazin.
Paul Micallef
Jan 13th, 16:50
@ Lawrence
Qabbatni il-biki. Jivotta kontra jew favur DIGA KECCEJTUH U GHAJJARTUH TRADDITUR, U KISSIRTU IL-FAMILJA TIEGHU bit tajjir. Jien ghalija FAVUR jew KONTRA dan GVERN li-ghadu u ha jibqa gvern tal hbieb tal hbieb.
Paul Micallef(BRITAINS)
c. saliba
Jan 13th, 16:50
Sur Calleja insejt kemm inqdejtu b'mintoff intom? Insejt li Dr. EFA ta mill-hin tieghu lil mintoff biex jattakka lil Dr. Sant? F'din il-bicca jien qatt ma kelli dubju u lanqas ghandi li din kollha messa in xena u fl-ahhar kollox jirranga. Nafukom bizzejjed lin-nazzjonalisti. Eh u bilhaqq issa qed tilaquh lil Dr. Debono ghax rega tkellem ftit u qal xi jrid isir? Ma xbajtux tajjruh din il-gimgha u ta qabilha? Il-Kap ta l-oppozizzjoni ma ghandux triq ohra x'jaghmel la ghandha prim ministru b'par idejn merhija.
D Borg
Jan 13th, 17:11
Sur Calleja,
Il-maktur bdiltu darbtejn sakemm qrajt dak li ktibt. Tibzax, bidla gid tista taghmel. Sfortunatament da l-gvern ghereq fl-arroganza tieghu.
Aaron Ellul
Jan 13th, 17:24
Mhux ha noqghod nghid jekk ghandekx ragun jew le fuq li qed tghid, ghandek dritt tghid li trid..pero li tghid li gej min familja tajba ghax b valuri nazzjonalista qieghed tkun naqra banali ghax nahseb f hajtek iltqajt ma laburisti li huma nies twajba ukoll....ejja ma nhallux il politika tifred nazzjon u niftakru li fil hajja ta kulljum namlugha ma hafna nies ta twemin politiku differenti...Viva malta u l maltin
Joseph Spiteri
Jan 13th, 16:25
"hope that all this leads the people to realise that the country must urgently embark on an important process of Constitutional reforms which must change political culture and practices and reform the fundamental institutions of our democracy, including the law on political parties and party financing. said FD.
I see nothing here that truly deserves for a government to be brought down. In other countries such as Greece where bankruptcy was at stake, membres of Parliament backed the Government for a considerable time to resolve such extreme issues
Alfred Falzon
Jan 13th, 16:24
Insulting Dr Franco Debono by calling him "traitor" (but as far as I know, Dr Gonzi never uttered this odious word) will not solve the present crisis but will only lead to further polarisation and political instability!
PN diehards must realise, the sooner the better, that dissent is healthy within a party and that a cabinet reshuffle does not necessarily imply a game of "musical chairs" for fear of ruffling a few feathers badly in need of a good grooming, but should, above all, serve to inject new blood to rejuvenate the party so as to forge ahead as expected.
Those who feel that Franco's behaviour is unbecoming and that all that he has suggested is anathema and harmful to the Party should better think twice, for Dr Debono is still a stalwart Nationalist, upbeat, resolute in his noble ideals and, unlike some other MPs on both sides of the House, not enamoured of his Parliamentary seat!
Such a judgement is liable to bring about the downfall of the PN as befell Dr Alfred Sant's MLP (now PL) for having shabbiliy treated Dom Mintoff and called him a "traitor" way back in 1998!
Will history repeat itself?
It all depends on how mature our main parties are!
Alfred A. Falzon
joseph briffa
Jan 13th, 16:23
Il pajjiz kollu qed jistenna lilek Sur Franco.
Mark Portelli
Jan 13th, 16:22
Franco Nothing will change with the way you are handling things. The only thing that will change is the Government and once MLP is in government, Constitutional reforms will be the last thing on their minds. If you really want these changes, save this government and keep on working hard.
Jonathan Camilleri
Jan 13th, 16:27
I share that feeling as well.
Peter Zahra
Jan 13th, 16:39
I fully agree !! If Dr Debono wants to see his reforms get rolling, he should not be the one to enable the labour party to be in government as their past performance is the indication of the future & Addio constitutional reforms !!!!
Mark Portelli
Jan 13th, 16:46
I just hope Franco realises this before its too late. I suggest 4 things;
1. Change your position and support the government (don't be afraid about U-Turns... we got used to them lately so its no big deal).
2. Sit down and discuss your ideas with your colleagues. I'm sure they will now listen to you and not take things lightly. The lesson has been learnt.
3. Work to make the changes you've been preaching about.
4. Become a real Hero.
Or
1. Continue doing what your doing
2. Bring down the government
3. Forget about the changes youve been preaching about and your political service.
4. Become the greatest looser Malta has ever seen.
M.Dolores Vassallo
Jan 13th, 16:53
Pero Dr.Debono Tinsiex il-gambetti li tawk. Issa qedin jilaquk.
Chris Borg
Jan 13th, 17:11
It's never too late to realize that you've made a mistake. Remember that if Dr.Debono votes against parliament, he will lose everything, neither party would want him.
I agree with you Mr. Portelli.
Jo Camm
Jan 13th, 17:18
@ M.Dolores Vassallo - "Tinsiex il-gambetti li tawk. Issa qedin jilaquk." Ghal tal-PL qed tghid?????
M.Dolores Vassallo
Jan 13th, 17:52
@ Jo Cam
Mhux il PN taghomlu l-gambetti bhal ma ta lil Poplu Malti. Bil-Haqq jien u l-Familja tieghi f'zmien EFA konna nhadnu lil PN, illum il-kelma PN lanqas nisimuha ma jriedu.
R. Cilia
Jan 13th, 18:14
Quote; If you really want these changes, save this government and keep on working hard.;Unquote
Had you listened carefully, you would have heard Dr.Debono say that he has been working very hard to help implement these changes but no one took him seriously.
joe Tanti
Jan 13th, 16:22
The wind of change?????? AGAIN????
Stephen Florian
Jan 13th, 16:19
Good thinking Dr.Debono.
David Borg
Jan 13th, 16:17
Dr Debono is a genius. Time will tell.
J Tabone
Jan 13th, 16:45
in fact we already know. he has been since form 2... :)
D Borg
Jan 13th, 17:06
What troubles me is that I am not so sure what is it that he wants exactly! He made a number of demands, which makes it impossible for the party to satisfy at once.
Nevertheless Dr.Debono is no genius for me, but a person fed up of some personal injustices within the party!
David Borg
Nathalie Frendo
Jan 13th, 16:15
Dr Debono you have every right to disagree with who ever you want, but your attitude during the past few months has brought this country into a state of uncertainty which is causing our already fragile economy to become even more brittle than it already is. Please be responsible a make up your mind and take a move which will allow us to carry on with our business. You now got all the attention you wished for, grow up and be responsible, that is real intelligence and high flying not a form two report from your college..
Tony Mangion
Jan 13th, 16:13
Dr Debono is considered by the majority as a man of character and would be blessed by this and future generations.
G. Borg
Jan 13th, 16:23
veru man of character, ghax tieghu biss tajjeb. Sur Mangion, in-nies bl'argumenti tikkonvincihom, mhux bit-tisbit tas-saqajn u theddid. Mhux darba ipprova imma 77 darba !
alfred seguna
Jan 13th, 16:30
Fully agree.Time will tell that he was right.I admire him for his guts.Many believe in what he says and he is sacrificing himself for his country.
C Muscat
Jan 13th, 16:10
Beda gej f'tieghu qisu....ha naraw x'inhu gej forsi jidirlhu xi anglu..bilhaqq xi hadd ghandu anglu!!!LOL
Jo Camm
Jan 13th, 16:56
Ara x'hasda jtih jekk jidhirlu anglu tal-PL.
T Gauci
Jan 13th, 18:38
lol jo camm
Joe E Galea
Jan 13th, 16:09
Dr. Debono should now stand up to his stance if he is to be taken seriously thereafter.