No-confidence debate to start next Monday, with no time-limits
Opposition accuses government of delaying tactics
The committee meeting this afternoon, presided by Speaker Michael Frendo.
Last updated at 8.05 p.m.
The Opposition motion of no confidence will start being debated in parliament on Monday evening, with no time limit.
The decision was taken by the Leader of the House, Carm Mifsud Bonnici at a meeting of the House Business Committee this evening after the Opposition withdrew a procedural motion where it had proposed that the debate should be held, and concluded, this Thursday morning.
During this evening's meeting the Opposition accused the government of delaying the debate and it insisted that there should be agreement on when the debate should end.
At the beginning of the committee meeting, Dr Mifsud Bonnici, noted that the Opposition had proposed a procedural motion to limit the confidence debate, and the actual motion of no confidence.
The procedural motion, he said, was shameful as the Opposition wanted to limit the no confidence debate to one sitting, with 90 minutes for each side. This was an arrogant and mistaken attitude by the Opposition.
He recalled that during the last confidence debate, in November, the duration of the debate was agreed beforehand by both sides.
In this case, however, the Opposition had not sought agreement and gone ahead with its motion.
Therefore, the government would go ahead with the debate on the procedural motion on Wednesday, and once that debate was concluded, one would see.
Anglu Farrugia, deputy leader of the opposition, said the problem of instability needed to be settled this week. He recalled that the debate in November only took one sitting and the procedure the Opposition was proposing for the new confidence debate was the same one. However, the Opposition was open to agreement with the government.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici said the government had no objection to the confidence debate. However since the Opposition had presented the procedural motion without seeking agreement, it would have to bear the consequences of its actions.
Dr Farrugia said he was prepared to discuss any extension of debating time. Therefore he was prepared to hold the Opposition's procedural motion in abeyance so that agreement could be reached.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici said the Opposition had been unmasked and it was clear that it was only after achieving power.
Mr Mizzi said the procedural motion could be withdrawn and the no confidence debate could go ahead for as long as needed.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici said it seemed the Opposition did not know what it was doing. First it wanted to limit the debate, now it wanted to withdraw the procedural motion.
Joe Mizzi, Opposition whip, said the government wanted to delay the confidence debate. The Opposition, therefore, was withdrawing its procedural motion, on the understanding that the no-confidence debate would be held this week, as the prime minister had said.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici said this was not on. One could not have games, with the Opposition first presenting motions and then withdrawing them. Did the Opposition know what it was doing?
Furthermore, the prime minister had not said the confidence debate had to be concluded this week.
Mr Mizzi said this was filibustering (delaying tactics) by the government.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici said that if the Opposition withdrew its procedural motion, the no-confidence debate would start on Monday, with no time limit.
Mr Mizzi said there should be agreement on when the debate ended.
The sitting was suspended for 10 minutes to enable both sides to hold consultations.
SITTING RESUMES
When the siting resumed, Dr Farrugia said that once the minister had proposed that the debate would start on Monday, how would it proceed?
Dr Mifsud Bonnici said the debate would start on Monday and it would be held according to the rules of the house, with no limit.
Mr Mizzi said both sides normally agreed in the committee on how long debates would take. The Opposition wished the debate to be held this week. If it was to start on Monday, it could start in the morning and continue in the afternoon, which should be adequate. If need be, it could continue and be concluded with the vote on Tuesday.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici said this was an important debate and he was not prepared to limit the number of MPs who wished to speak. The debate would proceed according to the rules of the House, as from Monday.
Dr Farrugia insisted that the debate could be concluded on Tuesday. Even if all the government MPs spoke, the Opposition only needed an hour and the vote could therefore be taken on Tuesday evening (tomorrow week).
Dr Mifsud Bonnici said the debate would be held normally as from Monday at 6.30 p.m. and proceed normally. The government wanted the debate but would not limit anyone.
Dr Farrugia said the government was delaying the start of the debate...
Mr Speaker Michael Frendo said standing order 49 laid down that in confidence debates, MPs could speak for an hour each (and not 40 minutes which is the limit for other motions).
Dr Farrugia consulted standing orders.
Mr Mizzi said the debate could start well before Monday to stop the instability that the country was suffering.
He proposed that the committee should meet again on Wednesday for the government to say how many of its MPs would speak. In that way, the duration of the debate could be planned.
Dr Farrugia said the debate was being delayed unduly. The debate should take as long as the government wanted, but a date for conclusion should be set.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici said he had nothing to say. The Opposition had changed its position. The debate would start on Monday (today week), without any limits or restrictions of the type the Opposition wanted to impose.
Mr Mizzi said Dr Mifsud Bonnici's decision reflected a lack of good will and a delaying tactic which was not in the general election. He insisted that the committee should agree to conclude the debate on Wednesday (Jan 25).
Dr Mifsud Bonnci said he was against any time limit.
This Wednesday the House will convene after the Christmas recess and will discuss the transfer of properties to various societies followed by the debate on the Education (amendment) Bill and the Budget Implementation Bill. The debate on the no confidence motion will start on Monday.
Mr Mizzi said the Opposition disagreed and was calling for another meeting of the House Business Committee.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici said there was nothing else to add and the schedule was clear.
The meeting ended at 8.04 p.m.
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Charles J. Buttigieg
Jan 17th, 16:00
Everybody knows what the result is going to be except for one vote. Government side 34 No. Opposition side 34 Yes. Franco Debono yet unknown. So why waste 68 futile debating time, just give an hour to Franco
Kevin Marks
Jan 17th, 10:29
Setgha siefer xorta mela la kien jaf x se jaghmel, wahda ma konniex nitilfu l hafna xol li qal li se jgib(!) u tnejn kien inehhi ftit mill l istress li qed jidher evidentiment li ghandu kull darba li jidher quddiem il cameras
Mr D.S. Scott
Jan 17th, 10:24
Franco's power of using his leverage to be instrumental in prematurely terminating the life of this legislature is effectively akin to a Prime Minister's prerogative of dissolving parliament - a power Mr.Debono appears to relish.
Unfortunately, the snuffing out of his own political career will be the price paid for such a short-lived inebriation.
That fresh blood is needed in Maltese political life is true, albeit not in the manner of a 'tragi-comedie.'
john vella
Jan 17th, 09:35
I read this article over and over and over. In my opinion Dr. Farrugia lost the game, he seemed a second division player showing off in the first division, in my opinion.
If this is the best New Labour can offer from their deputy leader we are really in a mess with this party. I for one want a change after over 20 years with the same faces but surely to present yourself defending an argument that the nation is badly crying for and loose on all grounds what are they going to do when faced with sharks in Brussels?
Noel Gatt
Jan 17th, 09:55
Nahseb kontra habib. Dr Farrugia kixef il maskra ta GonziPN ghax issa huwa car li GonziPN irid itawwal l incertezza. Prosit Dr Farrugia . Kif ma tigihdx wahda tajba lil CMB!
Robert Camilleri
Jan 17th, 09:31
din hija d demokrazija li jiftahar tant bija gonz!!! u hija gimgha l hawn u gimgha l hemm ma jimpurtax!!!
Charles J. Buttigieg
Jan 17th, 09:30
Parliament rules allow a maximum of 60 minutes to each MP to say their piece in such debates. This means that the debate can take 65 hours and if the parliament is convened for Monday at 1830 until 2230 it would take at least 17 sittings to conclude. If parliament is convened all days except Sundays, it would need three weeks before the motion reaches the division stage.
George Azzopardi
Jan 17th, 09:43
and in the meantime nothing else can be discussed and no laws passed, including important budget bills!!!
Charles J. Buttigieg
Jan 17th, 13:04
I correct myself,it could take 69 hours not 65.
J. Scicluna
Jan 17th, 09:20
What's to discuss?
Both Parties are dancing to FD's tune; he calls the shots.
Just get on with it and stop wasting the Country's time.
It is Franco debono that has to decide this by casting his vote in favour OR against the PN in government.
Alternatively, he can always cross the Floor on the first Sitting and this would bring the whole saga to an end.
silvio loporto
Jan 17th, 08:53
As always this episode in our (,I''l call it history it will eventually be written down in the history of our country),has a morale and gives
an insight on the character of us Maltese.
We are a nation of talkers. When we face a problem first we talk,than we talk again,and keep on talking until the matter is forgotten and buried. The stratagests at Pieta know this perfectly well they are playing the delaying game hoping that in a short time it won't be still page one topic.
We talk about democracy,but all we are ready to do to safeguard it, is talk.
We talk about our rights as citizens, again all we do is talk.
We are told that it is our right to express our opinions,but we are seeing Dr.Franco Debono passing through a campaign of character assasination,that we have naver seen before, and all for fighting for what he thinks is needed for our country.
The sad thing is that we have always thought about ourselves as superior to our Arab neighbours,but even here we have been taught a lesson. They stood up for their rights,they fought and died for their rights.
I am not suggesting anything of the sort,but we should at least show the Govt that we deserve a better treatment.
But here again,all we do is talk
.
Matthew Galea Debono
Jan 17th, 08:40
if whoever is marketing propaganda about national stability on either side was serious about what they are saying, they'd drop this entire load of crap, hold hands like good little children and actually start working on making it happen together rather than playing all these tired power games. let's face it, they couldn't really have chosen a worst time to pick this up. as for those who are capitalising on the uncertainty brought about by this situation for WHATEVER reason it may be, i think i speak for democracy in general when i say 'shame on the lot of you'
Victor Vella
Jan 17th, 08:08
Gonzi said that there is no sense to waste time about the present impasse . It has to be settled immediately because in the EU zone there is a lot of financial trouble and important decisions have to be taken for the future of the Maltese people. People are losing jobs and these political titbits created internally by a sick and defunct regime have to be resolved without haste. Why now this waste of time? Franco Debono said that he resigned from the party and parliament. So, the Gonzi PN par idejn Sodi Regime has to be dismantled and the Boss of the Bosses calls immediately for general elections.The aim of Gonzi PN is to continue with this instability and uncertainty so that people can continue to suffer and put them in the same situation of his internal dissidents.
pat muscat
Jan 17th, 07:41
What is there to talk about? Franco said it in black and white yesterday; gonzipn is in denial!
VV Bartolo
Jan 17th, 07:26
mhilux skantajt ghax kien hawn min beda jikkompara lil Malta mall-ex LIbya. kont hadtha bi kbira imma ha nghidlek l'hemm resqin gurnata b'gurnata. kull mossa li qed jaghmel il-Gvern qed juri kemm huma kkakmati mas-siggu/mall-POTER!!
J. Mifsud
Jan 17th, 07:11
Is this all in the interest of the Country, of Democracy or of the MPs who will continue getting paid for the time they waste talking instead of doing the usual Parliamentary work? Viva Democracy.
anthony vella
Jan 17th, 06:49
So why the prime minester cancelled his trips to tunis and qatar
Noel Mifsud
Jan 17th, 06:35
Gonzi PN you can run but you cannot hide for ever. L id tal l elettorat tasal u thallas ta ghemilek. Kif kissirt poplu bil kontijiet, kif farrakt sistema ta trasport, kif kissirt Mxlokk b il Powerstation bil HFO, kif bdilt il klawsoli tal l offerti u tajta alla jbierek lil BWSE. Kif hadt l onorarja minn wara dahar il poplu. Run please Gonzi ON but you cannot hide for ever. VIva Malta
Noel Mifsud
Jan 17th, 06:29
U min qal li Joseph Muscta iggranfat mal poter. Allura GonziPN x inhu, umbghad tismaghhom jitkellmu sarima u mhux sarima, li hemm zgur irid jibqaw jitpaxxew u jgawdu.
Jeffrey Borg
Jan 17th, 05:29
The government is delaying the highjack of democracy, Franco Debono was not given his seat to betray his voters.
The unelected Joseph Muscat does not have a right to be prime minister due to the uncertainity cause by a government backbencher.
N. Bill Camilleri
Jan 17th, 03:52
The sad thing for all of us is that this is all that our house of representatives is going to focus on for the better part of this year. They won't worry about trivial issues such as the economy, but rather they will argue and bicker all day every day because that is what they do best. I pity all of us.
C Muscat
Jan 17th, 00:48
Tisma lil joseph jitkellem jghid li jrid il-gid tal-pajjiz u li l-pajjiz ghandu bzonn stabbilita .. ma nafx x inhu jistenna biex jiftiehem ma gonzi u jgib l-istabbilita... li hadd ma ghandu jirrikatta primministru fl-ghazla ta ministri. ma jafx inehhi l-arroganza? jew inzerta arroganti aktar minn haddiehor.
ma tantx ghandhom ghalfejn jghidu ghax meta taqra minn nies bhal saviour cachia jidher li l-ghazla tal-poplu malti PN PL minn got tagen ghal gon nar.
jien nghid li l pajjiz u c cittadin aktar imur l quddiem meta ma jkollox gvern b sahhtu ghax kemm il pn u kemm il pl arroganti meta jkollom is-sahha...min irid jara jidher kollox car....
D Cutajar
Jan 16th, 23:08
Can't understand what the PM and his puppets are planning!! When you think their actions cant get any worse . . . They still manage to amaze everyone!!
Sabrina Grech
Jan 16th, 22:59
decizjoni mehuda primarjament fl-interess Nazzjonali (sta!)
Joseph Laus
Jan 16th, 22:38
The PM Gonzi Is loosing the sympathy which he gained last week...Many Supporters are giving him the Blame for all this,,,he is acting as a dictator,,,
Gonzi is afraid of something that he himself knows what it is,,,,
Lawrence SUPPERV INT .....
Dorianne Saliba
Jan 16th, 22:33
Tistaw tejduli x differenza hemm mil hamis ghat tnejn jahsra kemm iggibuwhom bi kbar. U intom tal pL li tejdu li tant thobbu lil pajjiz, tridu tiddecidu fi 3 sieghat biss biex jitkellem wiehed min kull naha biss. Mhux ahjar li jkun hemm diskussjoni min kulhadd ghax sa fejn naf jien kulhadd ghandu dritt li jejd ghal l opinjoni tieghu. Ahjar ma tkomplux iddahlu aff hziena fl imhuh tan nies biex takwistaw il poter.
George Azzopardi
Jan 17th, 09:47
Pl wanted to discuss this matter starting from last Saturday taking as much time PN needed. Why this delay till Monday, may I ask? Why not start on Wednesday or at least Thursday!! Come on admit it, the delay is being made so that maybe some miracle would happen and Dr.Debono is made to change his mind!! Nothing more and nothing less!!!!
Wayne Dimech
Jan 16th, 22:29
Novembru li ghadda, il-PM Gonzi ghadda vot ta' Fiducja ghax "il-poplu hemm barra ghandu DRITT ikun cert li l-Gvern huwa stabli u jkun jaf fejn qieghed."
2 Months wara dan id-diskors, l-istess PM qieghed jibza juri l-poplu hawn barra id-Dritt li jkun jaf fejn qieghed mal-Gvern tieghu. Dan ghalfejn tghid? Ghax hemm MP li ddikjara li mhux ser jappogja lil Gvern?
Barra minn hekk il-PM qieghed jibza jghaddi ligi importanti hafna, li tikonsiti l-Budget, minhabba li jaf li propabli m'ghandux il-maggoranza.
Ma nahsibx li bhalissa l-pajjiz qieghed f'pozizzjoni li joqghod jitrateni bil-istabilita incerta, meta naraw li madwarna hemm krizi finanzjarji.
Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO
Jan 16th, 22:00
Are we going to witness a type of filibuster which could theoretically take at least 69 hours of parliamentary time which amounts to a few weeks by my reckoning . This whilst an accepted parliamentary procedure would be scandalous and would reduce our parliament into farcical theatre and would be seen by the ordinary public as nothing but just pure chicanery which would simply sow instability and raise political tensions. In the long term it is going just to weaken the PN and threaten the true spirit of democracy. The saying tardare si scappare no will not eliminate the eventual day of reckoning but certainly sour the political climate prelude to the general election.
Matthew Tanti
Jan 16th, 21:59
Jista’ Dr.Gonzi jizgurana li fid-dawl tal-qaghda parlamentari tal-gvern tieghu, jista’ jkompli bit-twettieq tal-progamm elettorali tieghu? Jista’ jghaddi il-ligijiet li dan il-poplu ghandu bzonn? Jekk iva tajjeb li jghatina s-soluzzjoni ta’ din il-krizi. Jekk jaf li le ghala qed itawwal id-dbatija tal-poplu?
Victor Laiviera
Jan 16th, 21:53
It is a well know fact that insecure people become aggressive, to hide the insecurity.
We saw a perfect example today - the usually calm and courteous Mifusd Bonnici became aggressive and uncouth - he must be feeling VERY insecure.
Matthew Tanti
Jan 16th, 21:52
Ghala dan id-dewmien kollu? Fl-interess ta’ min din il-prokrestinazzjoni? Tal-poplu, zgur li LE!
Joe Brincat-LL.D
Jan 16th, 21:49
So on Wednesday Parliament is going to debate a motion for the transfer of properties to various societies.
A motion may be amended by deleting all the words after "This House resolves...." and inserting other paragraphs concluding with a vote of no confidence. What then ?
The debate on the motion and the amendment has to start on Wednesday. Then Mr Speaker may rule that every member has the right to speak for an hour. A member may speak only once. If the Opposition said it needs only one hour, the maximum time would be 36 hours.
The 36 hours estimate also applies if the formal motion of no confidence starts on Monday.
A majority of the House may also change the timetable of the debate, notwithstanding what the Leader of the House suggests in his motion for adjournment. That majority may decide, for example, that "notwithstanding the standing orders and previous exemptions, the House adjourns for tomorrow at 9.00 a.m. and the debate continues until 9.00 p.m. without interruption, and the question be put at 9.20p.m.," then this is what counts.
J Craig
Jan 16th, 21:39
I heard Anglu Farrugia! Hilarious! Thanks to him I'll vote PN again!
George Azzopardi
Jan 17th, 08:29
OMG .. I really believe that if you hadn't heard Anglu Farrugia you'd have voted PL!!!
George Azzopardi
Jan 17th, 08:55
This is what you wrote earlier:
J Craig
Yesterday, 08:59
Dr. Gonzi urges to stop attacks.!!! Dr. Gonzi do you think that the Labour party will ever stop the attacks on you??? No this is impossible. They never change. Let's hope they remain in opposition for many many years.
George Azzopardi
Jan 17th, 09:31
also what you wrote:
J Craig
Jan 15th, 19:18
All this guy wants is power. No ideas. Just gimmicks and pre-prepared questions. Does he want to make us believe that these questions were not prepared? He just cares about his image to gain the power he desires. And if he gains power it will be a disaster for this country. I moved here many years ago and I've seen the difference between PN and MLP governments. Thank God I can vote now also...and Joseph Muscat and his PL will never get my vote since I do not vote for gimmicks.
Victor Laiviera
Jan 16th, 21:38
If the PN is hoping to prolong the debate indefinitely by means of filibustering, it had better study the Standing Orders more closely. Standing Order No 16(1) reads as follows:
16. (1) After a question has been proposed and debated for not less than an hour a Member may claim to move "that the question be now put", and, unless it shall appear to the Chair that such motion is an abuse of the rules of the House, or an infringement of the rights of the minority, the question "That the question be now put" shall be put forthwith and decided without amendment or debate.
Joe Grech
Jan 16th, 21:32
Shameful that the debate will be held today week. Why on earth? Surely the interest of the country - stability - dictate otherwise. But then this administration has repeatedly shown that it puts political interests before national. Nobody can deny that Ministers committed sacrilegious mistakes; yet our P.M. kept them in office notwithstanding. And he did shut up his ex-Ministers by handing them Lm20000 of taxpayer money to tide them over their disoccupation! :)
As for his grumbling backbenchers he shut them up by giving them e10000 as part time remuneration for going to annoy the Ministers in different Ministries! If this is the right way of putting national interests first then may the P.M. defend his actions here and now.
Peppi Borg
Jan 16th, 21:25
GonziPN does not realise that this whole situation was brought about by himself for continuously and repeatedly failing to listen to what his sensible MP, Dr Debono, were saying to him. Dr Gonzi ignored the voice of reason of Dr Debono. Dr Debono did the right thing in standing up for what he believed in and is fighting this oligarchy created solely by GonziPN. What did GonziPN expect the Opposition to do ??? Hold out a helping hand ??? Why should the PL do so when the PN have hurt and discriminated against soo many PL supporters either for the benefit of PN supporters or just for the sadistic pleasure of watching PL supporters suffer ?? Why should the PL do so when the PL have a sound party with a fresh and determined leader at the helm ?? Why should the PL keep the nation in this state of instability which is to the detriment of the country ??
Jo Borg
Jan 16th, 21:17
Another nail has been hammered into the PN's coffin tonight.
GonziPN can delay the funeral, but in the end, it cannot escape the inevitable fate that awaits this arrogant and insensitive regime.
Yet another demonstration (if any were needed) of just how right Franco Debono has been to condemn this sad ensemble of incompetents, especially CMB.
Mrs K. Portelli
Jan 16th, 21:07
Plato - The Republic- The dialectical forms of government
Tyranny
The excessive freedoms granted to the citizens of a democracy ultimately leads to a tyranny, the furthest regressed type of government. These freedoms divide the people into three socioeconomic classes: the dominating class, the elites and the commoners. Tensions between the dominating class and the elites cause the commoners to seek out protection of their democratic liberties. They invest all their power in their democratic demagogue, who, in turn, becomes corrupted by the power and becomes a tyrant with a small entourage of his supporters for protection and absolute control of his people.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Republic_(Plato)
Mark Cassar
Jan 16th, 21:07
arroganza laburista bil-kbir!
David Farrugia
Jan 16th, 21:25
inti taf taqra?
A Dimech
Jan 16th, 22:03
inti bis-serjeta? Kull ma rriedu VOT. Min ghandu l;maggoranza jirbah - FULL STOP!
Angelo Cassar
Jan 16th, 22:10
Mark, are you serious? Is it possible that you cannot interpret facts?
mark borg
Jan 16th, 22:10
WICC TOST NAZZJONALIST BIL KBIR !
Christopher Scerri
Jan 16th, 23:21
Int bis-serjeta jew qed ticcajta...Arroganza min ihalli pajjiz imdendel ghal skopijiet patiggjani...Il-gvern ghandu jkun hemm biex iservi l-poplu u mhux il-ftit nies tal-klikka!!
Mr l Azzopardi
Jan 17th, 00:15
int bis-serjeta?? dan qed issib arroganti li gvern li probabbli tilef il-maggoranza jintalab jikkonferma li filfatt ghandu maggoranza? tirraguna wkoll!
Noel Mifsud
Jan 17th, 06:30
x arroganza man mela ma tafx x int tghid jew. Kull ma ried il Gvern hadu u ma cedix wahda. Mela jekk din arroganza minn naha tal gvern x inhi dittatura. Komplu ghazqu nispera fil hanin alla li ma idumux tkissru izjed dal pajjiz.
J. Scicluna
Jan 16th, 21:07
These ae nothing but delaying tactics and buying time which is being used to try and wear FD down.
I do not know the Honourable Gentleman personally, but I can just imagine him to win the last laugh with the Party that is making his (and his family's) life hell.
WHAT IF...during the Opending of Parliament after the Christmas recess Dr Debono was to "up sticks" and cross the floor?!
Would THAT not ipso facto place the PN in a Minority and the President would call the PM to dissolve Parliament?
Any Erskine May experts out there to confirm if the above case would put the PN (and Malta!) out of misery?
Joe Brincat-LL.D
Jan 16th, 21:32
Not an Erskine May expert, but I know just a little bit about the Standing Orders and the Constitution. The Constitution is the "supreme law" of Malta, then other laws follow, then the Standing Orders and in default custom and interpretation of standing orders. It is only here that Erskine May comes in.
Our Constitution only recognises a vote of no confidence, as legally binding. Cross the floor, or sitting anywhere in the Chamber, even in the strangers' gallery or behind the Speaker, or on his lap, if allowed, does not change the legal situation. As to the political situation, then that is the prudent judgment of a government.
W Cassar
Jan 16th, 21:00
I would like to know what there is so much to talk about ? Have we not already heard both sides.
There must be something going on behind the scenes ... and I don't say that in a positive way.
J.C. Borg
Jan 16th, 20:55
Wara 25 fl'Oppozizzjoni l-PL ma tghallmux jaghmlu mozzjoni suriet in-nies.
Jista' jkun ukoll li ma jafux xi jridu.
Prosit Karm.
Paul Sammut
Jan 16th, 21:24
Mr.J.C.Borg regarding your comment it shows clearly that during these 25 years time stood still for you
and you learned nothing. After all after 25 years like you said Austin Gatt distroyed the public transport and this is only one example and for sure it was not the PL..
Noel Mifsud
Jan 17th, 06:32
Sur Borg wara 25 sena il PN tghallmu ikunu arroganti u psataz. Mela insejt li int hadt 1. 16 zieda u huma hadu 26 elf euro zieda. U apparti hekk issa sirt naf ukoll li apparti 26 elf hady 6 ohra beneficcji. Igifieri 32,000 euro fis sena. U alla jbierek qataw biss 26 minnhom. Dawn zgur tghasllmu ikunu arroganti u niex bhalek ituhom l apogg.
J. Camenzuli
Jan 16th, 20:55
Ghaliex qed tattakaw lill Franco?Jien nahseb li dan huwa veru persuna li qieghed jghid il-verita.
X'fiha hazin billi ghamel il-priedka tal-Milied?Li gab rizultati tajbin fl'iskola?Ghaliex ftahar?ghax ghandu biex!Ghaliex qed tippruvaw tirredikolawh?Forsi mhux veru,mhux kullhadd jaf li hemm certu nies li ma pperformjawx tajjeb,li zmienhom ghadda u li saru arroganti?Forsi ma tkellimniex,fl ahhar elezzjoni tat 2008,meta hsibna li tlifna li kien it-tord ta dak u ta l-iehor,biex imbghad irbahna bi tkaxkira u x'sar?XEJN!
Wasal iz-zmien li naghmlu ezami tal-kuxjenza.Baqa bizzejed zmien biex il-partit jirkupra,pero irridu naghtu kas ta l-ilmenti,li mhux gejjin minn Franco biss.
Paul Giordimaina
Jan 17th, 01:42
Kont tirrispettah qabel din il krizi jew int wiehed minn dawn id double faces li kull ma jridu jinqdew bi Franco
Mario Busuttil
Jan 16th, 20:53
X' jeqirdu il bloggers tal labour....halluhom iz zewg partiti jiftiehemu bil kwiet,mela insejtu li Duminku Mintoff dam 7 xhur jikkritika u jastjeni u ikarkar biex Dr Sant mar ghal Elezzjoni ....u tinsewx ukoll li ftit ilu Dr Frank ura wkoll fiducja fil Gvern,..dan f'novembru li ghadda kien u mhux sena ilu....mexxej kbir ghandna fil pajjiz u inutli tajruh dittatur....nahseb li kontu f'xi pajjiz afrikan tkunu tafu ezatt id dittatura xi tfisser .....
m. borg (slm)
Jan 16th, 23:19
Mexxej kbir ikollu kontrol fuq dawk ta' tahtu u mhux qed nghid ghal Franco biss, imma ghal dawk il-ministri li b'ghemilhom misshom irrezzenjaw. Imma gonzi tant hu kbir u b'par idejn sodi li hallihom fejn kienu ghaliex kienu jghamlulu wahda bhal ta' Franco.
Carmel Xuereb
Jan 16th, 20:50
X'jimpurtahom mit-tkissir ta' l-ekonomija dawn in-Nazzjonalisti basta jkomplu ggranfati mas-siggu. Dawn ghadhom ma xebghux jimpalaw u mbaghad Gonzi jigi jitkaza f'Alfred Sant u mhxu hekk tghid. Jekk ma hemmx infern Alla jrid johloq wiehed ghalihom dawn. U fuq kollox jghidu li ma ddejqux mill-vot ta' sfiducja, intom qabda ipokreti u farizej.
A Dimech
Jan 16th, 20:50
What a great show in Democracy by PN!!! well done!!!
it is shamefule. Your true colours are coming out!! Perhaps, next is to declare military dictatorship?!!
J.K. Sciberras
Jan 16th, 20:47
Yesterday the PM was reported as saying that he would take all decisions in the best interest of the country......
I believe he does not know the meaning of interest!
Also for all those that shouted about the LP is eager to get into power, well this definitely shows that the PN is holding as tight as possible to power.
Poor country of ours; we are the ones working and paying tax, while they are enjoying themselves. Can not understand that the country’s economy is very fragile. But who cares as long as one tryies his very best so somehow he remains in power.
Really like to thank our PM for being so selfish and irresponsible.
A Dimech
Jan 16th, 20:44
Gonzi = Dictator
M Saliba
Jan 16th, 20:42
You may delay, but time will not, and lost time is never found again. ( Benjamin Franklin)
Albert Farrugia
Jan 16th, 20:42
"I won't do an Alfred Sant!" cried Gonzi! Well, this is exactly what he is doing. In 1998 Sant, after declaring that the Cottonera vote will be considered a vote of confidence, proceeded to lengthen the proceedings in the House as much as possible...allowing Dom Mintoff to make lethal speeches which fatally damaged the LP. And, even after he lost the Cottonera vote, Sant did not call the election at once, but attempted to continue winning time by declaring that parliament would be passing "non-controversial" legislation..only to be shot down by Mintoff who declared that, from that moment onwards "everything is controversial"! And Sant went on to lose the election. So Gonzi should seek better advice here.
R. Gauci
Jan 16th, 20:41
Aktar ma jtulu aktar jaqdu nies il-ministeri, simple as that!
Mr Joe Cardona
Jan 16th, 20:41
Il-poplu haqqu ahjar. Din mhux pantomima tal-lum kienet. Mhux ahjar naqtghu fil-qasir u tissejjah elezzjoni u b'hekk jigi deciz min irid il-polu jiggverna jew naha jew ohra.
Is-sewwa jirbah zgur jghid il-Malti.
j brincat
Jan 16th, 20:40
Delaying tactics at its best!
Hurray to democracy!
(jb)
Paul Giordimaina
Jan 17th, 02:57
Please Mr Brincat dont mention democracy expecialy you who made a mokery out of democracy when you where in power.
Joe Pavia
Jan 16th, 20:40
Mr. Leo Attard you show your true colour. Veru illi il PL ghadu listess. Ahseb w ara meta sejjer ikun fil gvern. Sarima ma halqna nispiccaw. Viva l labour.!!!!!!!!
A Dimech
Jan 16th, 20:38
Well done GonziPN!! a great show of democracy today!!
Victor Laiviera
Jan 16th, 20:37
How could there be a debate without limit? The PN is trying to delay the vote as long as possible.
Shameful
J Busuttil
Jan 16th, 21:31
Were you around f'zmien Sant v Mintoff it took Sant 6 months to decide. You call today's situation shameful ?
George Azzopardi
Jan 17th, 09:15
@J Busuttil .. Big difference is that Mr.Mintoff at the time was mentioning projects and other measures made by A.Sant. Dr.Debono today is simply saying that Dr.Gonzi should resign and is stating clearly that he no longer will vote for GonziPN.
Moreover you're mentioning 6months during A.Sant back in 1998. We have been seeing a series of 3½ years of such mishaps during this legislation.
Paul Portelli
Jan 16th, 20:34
KOMPLI SEJJER HEKK DR GONZI IL-POPLU MUX HA JAHFIRILEK DI
Alexander Farrugia
Jan 16th, 20:34
No time limits igifieri jistghu jibqghu jitkellmu xhur shah minghajr ma jaqtghu il-kundanna?
Joseph Galea
Jan 16th, 20:33
Tal-Misthija!
D Scerri
Jan 16th, 20:33
This is too much. It's a grave mistake to delay further... businesses, and at the end of it The People are being hurt with this situation. I don't care who wins an election, but this is wrong. I never expected this from PN.
Mario Camilleri
Jan 16th, 20:31
After reading all this I came to a few conclusions which i want to share. We all know that FD is a nationalist and that he will never vote with labour on the no confidence motion come monday, because he does not want to be seen as a traitor though many in the nationalist party are accusing him of betrayal. So come monday he will either abstain or else won't attend for the debate. obviously the motion will not pass since the speaker again will cast his vote against the motion and the government will survive again!!! Come the vote on the budget implementation bill FD will vote against it since he is against the way Dr. Gonzi is governing and that will be the last day of this government.
Mr leo attard
Jan 16th, 20:26
oh why waste time on debate -- just have an old fashioned duel with swords or pistols.
M Muscat de Celis
Jan 16th, 20:25
Welcome to the circus...Maltese politics at its best! Both parties are a farce with a capital F! They just don't do any justice to those with some jelly in their brains!
A. Schembri
Jan 16th, 20:24
Basta l pajjiz haqqu jkun jaf fejn hu l gvern qal gonzi fl ahhar vot ta fiducja f novembru....issa le mux haqqu allura? PN = kilba ta poter kbira and if possible dictatorship
J. Camilleri
Jan 16th, 20:23
u mhux ghal-xejn ha toghqodu itawwlu u tiddiskutu,,, ejja imorru ghall-vot mil-ewwel u naraw jekk il-gvern ghandux fiducja tal-maggoranza jew le.
jekk ghandu jibqa imexxi jekk le imorru ghal-elezzjoni. Kemm ha indumu tilghabu!
Clifford Grech
Jan 16th, 20:33
politics = bla bla bla
etc etc
Thomas Mifsud
Jan 16th, 20:22
The more your insisting the more votes your loosing Gonzi. Its already late for all this to happen, every single day under this Gonzi PN government is a day stolen from the Maltese taxpayers.
J Busuttil
Jan 16th, 20:43
@ Thomas
Does not seem so from yesterdays polls compared to other polls issued a couple of months ago.
Willie Grech
Jan 16th, 20:16
"Dr Mifsud Bonnici said he had nothing to say. The Opposition had changed its position. The debate would start on Monday (today week), without any limits or restrictions of the type the Opposition wanted to impose."
Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici a proven failure within this government is trying to prove one thing - HE IS A DICTATOR!!!
Mariano Camilleri
Jan 16th, 20:26
mr willy... the dictators here are the opposition...once more they want to limit everyones right to talk....same old labour
R. Gauci
Jan 16th, 20:40
Talk about what Mariana?? About Dr. Debono's attitude that day. Or about how he slept the previous night?
Willie Grech
Jan 16th, 20:50
@Mariano Camilleri.
I think you have a problem with reading the article. "The Opposition, therefore, was withdrawing its procedural motion," This was further confirmed by Dr Carm Mifsud Bonnici when he said, "Dr Mifsud Bonnici said he had nothing to say. The Opposition had changed its position."
Read carefully and you will see who is the dictator!!
Furthermore, please note that my name is spelt WILLIE and not WILLY. You must have been thinking something else when you wrote my name!
R. Gauci
Jan 16th, 20:16
PN is making a fool of itself even further.
lilly vella
Jan 16th, 20:15
hemm xi raguni valida ghaliex mhux din il gimgha . la l pm qal il bierah li il hamis li gej se tigi solvuta din l iskalda , ghaliex tghid?
c. saliba
Jan 16th, 20:26
tghid forsi biex jilhaq jaqla l-iskalda?
mario gellel
Jan 16th, 20:15
MELA MHUX IN A HURRY GONZIPN BIEX IMUR TUNIS U QATAR HA JGIB XI 4 SMART CITY'S OHRA ?????
mario gellel
Jan 16th, 20:47
OPPS, INRID NIKOREGI LILI NNIFSI. GHAX MA MARX , BAGHTUHOMNA HUMA>>> 70 KLANDESTIN.
R Agius
Jan 16th, 20:14
Sur Priministru bl-attagjament tieghek qed titlef hafna appogg . Tieghi tlifta. Dan pajjiz DEMOKRATIKU . qed tismaha l-ghajta tal poplu?
Maria Agius
Jan 16th, 20:10
SHAME ON YOU DR. GONZI !! SHAME ON YOU !! ONE CAN SAY THAT MALTA HAS BEEN FOR THE LAST FOUR YEARS UNDER A DICTATOR !!! NO SHAME !!! I STILL CANT SEE WHY DICTATOR GONZI DOESN'T REALIZE HOW ARROGANT HE IS AND THAT THE MALTESE PEOPLE ARE DEPRIVED OF THE TRUE MEANING OF THE WORD 'DEMOCRACY' !!!
Victor Baldacchino
Jan 16th, 20:21
Vera ma tafx xi ifisser Dictator. Kieku tikteb u tesprimi ruhek. Its a Shame tli tikteb hekk.
Mariano Camilleri
Jan 16th, 20:29
i agree victor...they must have forgot when between 1996 - 98 people writing in blogs were loosing jobs for talking against the goverment. and now they want to limit the right to talk in parliament by serving a motion to limit of one to talk
Joseph Camilleri
Jan 16th, 20:44
looks like 'dictator' is the latest in-word...
let's all pack up and go to North Korea instead shall we?
R. Schembri
Jan 16th, 20:53
@ Mariano Camilleri, although I am young of age, I have a deep interest in the Maltese political history and ethics and I have read as many books as possible from all view points, both neutral and partisan. Just like you mentioned the 1996-1998 period (although a half-truth), the PN have similar instances in their past as well. Do yourself a favour and instead of pointing out mistakes which both parties have done repeatedly in the past, focus on what is happening now. The PL is not limiting the right to talk in parliament, but simply pointing out that yes it is a delay tactic especially when one keeps in mind that the PM said that answers will be given this Thursday. Apart from that, a limitless discussion is folly... the situation should be solved as fast as possible and a discussion deadline would ensure it.
andre buhagiar
Jan 16th, 20:04
Xbajna b'dan kollu. Issa daqshekk. Izzejjed qedin taghmlu. Prim, int qed li dejjem hadt id-decizjonijiet ghal gid tal-pajjiz imma din tal-lejla mhix sew. Il-pajjiz ghajjien wisq u ma jiflahx izjed. Irridu nieqfu. Minn ghandu kuragg ta baghal ma jibza minn xejn lanqas mill-verita imma dan qed isir bil-kontra. Inqallghu min hemm
r spiteri
Jan 16th, 20:03
Il-Labour qas taf tressq mozzjoni kif suppost, ahseb u ara kemm se jaghmlu xi "taks force" !
Victor Calleja
Jan 16th, 20:02
Jekk loppozizzjoni taccetta li jtawlu sa nhar it tnejn ikun zball iehor. Mela dawn insewh lil Terinu? Cwiec konna u mijja nibqghu. Dawn mhux ta min jafdhom. Ma titallmu qatt?
j brincat
Jan 16th, 20:02
@Joseph Azzopardi
"kemm int mghaggel sur brincat ???"
Uncertainty breeds instability!
And as I said, it is the poor workers who suffer in the end
(jb)
J Busuttil
Jan 16th, 20:42
@ j.brincat
Yes wait and see how unemployment will be shooting up under a Labour Goverment even Labour supporters say it.
D. Xerri
Jan 16th, 20:01
Doing EVERYTHING Possible to hold on to Power - Shows us how Power Takes you away from Reality Itself !
Totally Unbeleivable from the same persons who promote themselves as saviours of democracy , liberty , freedom and transparency ! No Problem dear Prime Minister - every day that goes by everyone can see that PN comes first for GonziPN then comes Malta !
Gordon Grech
Jan 16th, 19:58
We have lost Democracy!!!!!This is dictatorship!
Maria Agius
Jan 16th, 20:11
WELL- SAID !!!!!
R. Gauci
Jan 16th, 19:53
Partit IggraNfat mal-poter, dak li hu l-PN. X'qed jittama li jaghmel billi jtawwal id-diskussjoni? Din mhux problema li tikkoncerna l-parlament kollu, izda deputat wiehed, x'se jiddiskutu?? Affarijiet Interni tal-partit? La ma waslux f'tal-Pieta` zgur mhux se jaslu fil-Parlament.
X'inhu l-iskop? Hemm xi haga oskura f'dan kollu!!!
Joseph Azzopardi
Jan 16th, 19:48
kemm int mghaggel sur brincat ???
R. Gauci
Jan 16th, 19:56
Meta ma konniex mghaggla fl-ahhar votazzjoni u bambaltuhulna .... mhux nies li tista tafdakhom Guz
mario gellel
Jan 16th, 19:48
Dr Mifsud Bonnici said that if the Opposition withdrew its procedural motion, the no-confidence debate would start on Monday, with no time limit.
WITH NO TIME LIMIT ????? AN ENDLESS DEBATE ?????? YOU CALL THIS DEMOCRATIC ?????
NOT ONLY ARE CLUED TO POWER, BUT ACTING LIKE THE WORST DICTATOR ANY COUNTRY HAS EVER SEEN. REALLY MAKING A MESS OF MALTA REPUTATION AS A DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY.
Neil Dent
Jan 16th, 23:07
MARIO! WE HEARD YOU THE FIRST TWO TIMES! TRY SOME CAMOMILLE TEA MABYE, YOU'LL FEEL BETTER! AND SWITch off your caps lock while it's brewing why don't you?
R. Gauci
Jan 16th, 19:48
Din tfakkarni f'meta l-PN kien iddecieda li jgedded b'siegha l-votazzjoni u l-MLP kien Gahan bizzejjed li wera rieda tajba, mbaghad wara sirna nafu ghaliex. Tal-PN ma tistghax tafdahom, ikollhom xi haga up their sleeve zgur .... ma dan nies ma tridx iccedi. Il-Hamis jew xejn!!!
Mariano Camilleri
Jan 16th, 20:34
oghqodu emm stenna sat tnejn.
mario gellel
Jan 16th, 19:44
Dr Mifsud Bonnici said that if the Opposition withdrew its procedural motion, the no-confidence debate would start on Monday, with no time limit.
WITH NO TIME LIMIT ????? AN ENDLESS DEBATE ?????? YOU CALL THIS DEMOCRATIC ?????
NOT ONLY ARE CLUED TO POWER, BUT ACTING LIKE THE WORST DICTATOR ANY COUNTRY HAS EVER SEEN. REALLY MAKING A MESS OF MALTA REPUTATION AS A DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY.
mario gellel
Jan 16th, 19:43
Dr Mifsud Bonnici said that if the Opposition withdrew its procedural motion, the no-confidence debate would start on Monday, with no time limit.
WITH NO TIME LIMIT ????? AN ENDLESS DEBATE ?????? YOU CALL THIS DEMOCRATIC ?????
NOT ONLY ARE CLUED TO POWER, BUT ACTING LIKE THE WORST DICTATOR ANY COUNTRY HAS EVER SEEN. REALLY MAKING A MESS OF MALTA REPUTATION AS A DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY.
Joe Calleja
Jan 16th, 20:01
Jimporta ma tkomplux ddahhku!! Ara min irid jitkellem dwar id-demokrazija wkoll!!!!!
Willie Grech
Jan 16th, 19:41
discussion with no end? why? don't all discussions have a time limit? or is someone trying to find some kind of solution, whatever that maybe outside parliament? are these delaying tactics aimed maybe for someone to get tired and not attend the parliament and then it would be easier, with the speaker's help to defeat the motion?
John Attard
Jan 16th, 19:41
u Malta gimgha ohra ma tafx fejn hi!!! Hekk sew!!
D. Xerri
Jan 16th, 20:05
X`jimporta li Malta se tkun ghamlet gimghatejn fl-incertezza u l-instabilita - L-Importanti li L-Prim Ministru jibqa jwebbes rasu halli tghaddi tieghu akkost ta kollox u ta` kulhadd !
j brincat
Jan 16th, 19:37
Why don't we get it over with!
Business is already at a standstill!
Who will suffer at the end?
(jb)