Christian Peregin
A brief history of MPs’ revolts
Henry Frendo: Political parties have “lobbies, caucuses and fora within which policy should be formulated . . .” Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
The case of Nationalist MP Franco Debono is one of very few in Malta's political history where an MP may bring down the government, without crossing the floor.
According to historian Henry Frendo, Dr Debono is “a loner acting rather like a rogue elephant”.
Though there were a couple of instances in Malta’s political history where MPs crossed the floor, or withheld their support for their party, none could be compared to the situation facing the government, he said.
“(What Dr Debono is doing) is tantamount to crossing the floor when a one-seat majority is at stake,” he said when contacted.
Prof. Frendo questions the extent to which an MP elected in the interest of a party by constituents can criticise, attack and disavow his own party and its leadership, thereby dragging down a lawfully-elected Administration.
“The Italians have a saying: Chi troppo la stira, la strappa (who stretches it too much, snaps it). This is what Dr Debono is doing now.”
Prof. Frendo said there were a few instances when crossing the floor, or withholding support, by voting against it, led to the resignation of an Administration. This happened in 1955 when Johnnie Cole shifted from Paul Boffa’s Workers’ Party to Dom Mintoff’s Labour Party, dealing a blow to a coalition government formed by George Borg Olivier and Dr Boffa, which was already struggling. He later emigrated to Australia.
Prof. Frendo said the other better known case concerned former Prime Minister Dom Mintoff himself, when in 1998 he brought about the downfall of Alfred Sant’s Administration and eventually the end of his leadership as well as Mr Mintoff’s direct involvement in Maltese politics, which had started in the 1930s.
There were other instances since the 1920s when deputies changed sides but such actions did not topple the government, which had relative majorities.
He mentioned as examples the late Union Press journalist Paul Carachi who had demanded an “independent” seat in Parliament in Mr Mintoff’s time. There was also the case of lawyer Wenzu Mintoff who began to act as a representative of Alternattiva Demokratika, which he co-founded in 1989, while being an MP elected on the Labour ticket. Dr Mintoff had disagreed with, among others, the late Lorry Sant and his antics.
In 1962, Kurunat Attard, the father of Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono, had crossed the floor from Herbert Ganado’s Partito Democratico Nazionalista to Dr Borg Olivier’s PN, giving the latter 26 out of 50 seats.
Prof. Frendo said this had strengthened the ruling party’s hand while Dr Ganado’s party, like the other small “anti-Independence” or “Church” parties, ceased to exist after Independence was attained in 1964.
Similarly, when Alfred Baldacchino crossed from the opposition benches to join the side of the Labour government in the early 1970s, he strengthened Mr Mintoff’s hand, rather than imperilling his reign, according to Prof. Frendo.
He believes that, with the exception of Mr Mintoff’s actions in 1998, it is not correct to compare what Dr Debono is doing today to any of the cases listed above.
“It is true that in 1949, (Dom) Mintoff split the Malta Labour Party, facilitating the return to office of the Nationalist Party under Nerik Mizzi and Dr Borg Olivier from 1950 but he had taken his case to the party’s general council and carried it, taking over the party leadership himself from Boffa.
“Debono, on the contrary, is more of a loner acting rather like a rogue elephant,” he said.
Prof. Frendo, who had contested the local council elections in Attard on the PN ticket, stresses that political parties have “lobbies, caucuses and fora within which policy should be formulated . . . God forbid this means that individual MPs cannot give vent to particular grievances, such as opposing incompetence, misconduct, lethargy or indeed policy.
“But, normally, there are ways and ways this may be done without overstepping the mark as shown by, among others, (PN backbencher) Jean-Pierre Farrugia in his opposition to the controversial honoraria question.”
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david vella
Jan 19th, 21:32
veru ghandu l gazz dan deputat franco debono jasal biex iwaqqa l gvern tieghu u jalla l fil futur ikonna hafna bhal franco debono f zewg partiti politici li ghana f'dal pajjiz u vera ghandu l gazz joseph muscat sejjah vot ta sfiducja meta hemm krizi go l'ewropa u ha jerfa responsabilta bhal din , maghndiex dubju li se jkun priministru tajjeb izda jekk l'pajjiz ghied f'krizi mhux hu se jdher ikrah ma nies u naqbel ukoll l labour party maghndux x jitlef minn din l'elezzjoni u nammen ukoll li partit nazzjonalista jerga jittranga mill gdied meta ikun hemm deputati leali lejn leader li jilhaq fil gejjieni ghax l'gvern prezenti illum beda jara li nies dubbien u ma hasx l ugieh tal poplu kollhu. sorry no vote lill hadd
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Jan 19th, 00:44
These Prime Ministers of Australia lost a vote of no confidence: Stanley Bruce (1929), James Scullin (1931), Arthur Fadden (1941) and Malcolm Fraser (1975). Fraser, of course, called a double dissolution and won the following election.
Alfred Falzon
Jan 18th, 23:14
Dr Debono might be a "loner" within the PN as a Party but he is certainly not alone when it comes to his constituents many of whom may not have today the same frame of mind they had four years ago when they voted Nationalist.
Opinions change, political Parties renegue on their promises whilst a people's mentality evolves to the extent that they come to appreciate above all other considerations, including Party allegiance, the untiring efforts of their representatives in Parliament who remain adamant in their loyalty to them even at the expense of being emarginated by their fellow MPs!
Dr Franco Debono is an asset and a driving force for the PN but, sad to say, lack of dialogue and hard-headedness from within are likely to remain a liability that could well lead to the dissolution of Parliament and an early election!
All this when a good number of praiseworthy projects are still taking shape!
Alfred A. Falzon
Joseph Mifsud
Jan 18th, 18:52
If there is no MPs revolt we would live in a dictatorship with the exception of one day in five years
Giov DeMartino
Jan 18th, 17:21
Franco Debono has certainly reserved a prominent place in the Hall of Shame. I cannot imagine how a person like him could stoop so low.
Joseph Calleja
Jan 18th, 16:07
When a government becomes and behaves like a dictatorship it is time for a Franco Debono to try and stop it. This government has ruled for twenty five years and they became way to big for their britches and needs to be taken down a notch or two. Somebody has to stop the arrogance and the corruption of a government. Many believe this is that time. No government is above the people. The government is BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE no more, no less. Let us stop this corrupted runaway political bus. ( Government). Some Ministers have the impression that they are above the law with the blessing of Dr Gonzi who is the worst of them all.
Carmel Cilia
Jan 18th, 14:44
What profs Frendo conveniently left out was the fact that in 1971 the P.N tried to buy a labour M.P. to cross the floor. In those days Mr. Camilleri the Labour M.P from Gozo was reported as saying that he was offered 100,000 Maltese liri which then was an enormous sum the equivalent of three times the first prize of the national lottery when an newAnglia ford car was valued at 350 malta pounds.
Profs your political affiliations are well known and History which you profess to teach at University would surely put Franco in his proper place with or without your support. That place would represent a new phase of politics in this island were up to now democracy only exists in the last few weeks prior to elections and then it is five years of dictat. An M.P represents the people :all the people of these islands, you must surely know that.
Henry S Pace
Jan 18th, 14:37
FRANS H SAID
Today, 11:28
' What about the case of Bountempo? '
Sorry to say it . Dr Buontempo was never elected in the interest of the Nationalist Party
'
Henry S Pace
Jan 18th, 14:30
NOTE: In 1953 ( (9th October) two Nationalist MPs voted against the Government. ( Source L-Elezzjonijiet f'Malta 1849 - 1981--- Michael J Schiavone.). I stand to be corrected : The two NP MPs were Dr Fortunato Mizzi and Dr G M Camilleri.
Christopher Camilleri
Jan 18th, 14:01
@ Rachel Borg- Dream on! Too much high hopes are like castles in the skies. Being the sort of government you are mentioning (dreaming), with immediate effect, sinking ship to sea bed, and then abandon ship everyone! Live in this world of realities and let lifes live!
Anthony Mizzi
Jan 18th, 13:52
@Angelo Vassallo
Veru "LITTLE THINGS PLEASE LITTLE MINDS" biex toghxa b'erbgha water sprouts qisghom kanen maqsumin li issejhilhom funtana b'erbgha fanali qishom minn tal-War of the Worlds flok il-Monument Maestuz tas-7 Giunjo li kien jaghti identita il-Pjazza!
Intkom tnehhuhom il-monument f'tentativi pwerili biex min ghalikom tiktbu l-istorja ta' Malta bil verzjoni irtukkata taghkom u ta' min ixaqleb lejkhom u jriduha ta' "Newtrali"!
Huwa sagrificju veru dak ta' Franco Debono li jahraq Karriera Politika li setghet tkun brillanti f'gieh l-interess mhux tieghu imma ta' Pajjizu!
B'dan il-gest Dr. Debono qieghed juri il-kullhadd kif ghandhu jkun Politiku u ghandhekk titghallem minnhu int l-ewwel wiehed- Politiku li ghandhu JGIB L-INTERESSI TAL-PAJJIZ ANKI QABEL DAWK TAL-PARTIT !
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Jan 19th, 12:00
Insejt il-latrina ta' Strada Stretta bis-sindku tal-Belt, assistent parlamentari u professur qassis presenti kadavri biex jifthuha? U b'ragel iswed biex jghaddilek il-karti. Kieku griet l-Awstralja kienu jahsbuha April Fools Day.
cesco di luigi
Jan 18th, 13:27
Let all you persons out there be informed. The attitude of the Government PN reflects 100% how things are done in the civil service. If you are slow, push paper, have no clue about the job BUT "make tea" for your "superiors", and always tell them they are correct even when in the biggest mess, you'll get on well. BUT if you are smart, bright, discerning, competent and call a spade a spade....you can forget your career and they'll make your life a misery.
Had Franco Debono asked any seasoned civil servant they would have told him this from day one. AND that's why this country is floating (barely) in a morass of nepotism and medicocrity.
Jonathan Scerri
Jan 18th, 14:02
The solution is Meritocracy !
Richard Galea
Jan 18th, 13:12
I would rather consider Franco Debono as a loose cannon who is rocking the boat.......A ROTTEN boat....
'The People' have been abused by the 'Establishment' for a very long time inded......and are now wading in deep discontent and injustice.
It is about time that the floating voter has the opportunity to create a perfect storm to sink this rotten boat to great dephts.
What 'The People' need is 'A son of gun' like Franco.......To get back their DIGNITY instead of recieving alms.
G. Cachia
Jan 18th, 13:03
Ahna li jimpurtana fil-prezent u fil-gejjieni huwa x-xoghol u mhux il-bdil fil-ligijiet li qed jipproponi Dr. Franco Debono. Uhud minn dawn il-ligijiet jiffavorixxu ix-xoghol tieghu. Ma nistghux nghidu li mhux tajbin imma lilna li qed nahdmu qed iwarrabna b'ghemilu.
Il-Labour jaqbillhom li jkun hawn dizgwid u ma ttihomx tort. Ghax jekk hemm wiehed li ried jilhaq Ministru man-Nazzjonalisti ghandna l-iehor li irid jilhaq Prim Ministru mal-Laburisti.
Nahseb li t-tnejn li huma ghandhom jaraw kif jindirizzaw lin-nies ghax mhux kliem ta' kuragg meta tisma "iktar ma jiggieldu iktar niehu pjacir".
Ara ma nibdewx bil-politika " tbazbar l'hawn u tbazwar l'hemm" u b'hekk immexxu. Dan kliem ta' mexxejja fil-pajjiz.
Mr Marcel Dingli
Jan 18th, 14:32
U jekk titlef ix xoghol u ma jkun hemm x jipprottegik? X tghidli ghal din?
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Jan 18th, 12:40
Well worth bearing in mind that the party political system is a development from the faction system. There is nothing unusual with parliamentarians no longer belonging to the party on whose ticket they were elected. It happens all too often in robust democracies. That so much nonsense is being said about Debono's stance reinforces what he has been saying for a long time - Malta does not have a robust democracy. Political parties have a tendency to stifle individuals and that is the problem with the party political system. In a country where everyone blurts about the 'common good', as they perceive, small wonder then that there is so much venom being thrown at Debono from PN sympathisers. Anyone remotely familiar with Australian politics will see that what is taking place in Malta is not that dissimilar from what happened to the last ALP government in NSW. Both were/are on their last leg. The quicker this incompetent and lazy PN administration that gives little or no importance to human rights is thrown on the benches of the Opposition, the better it is for the country. Fancy having a PM voting against divorce. That is enough to disqualify him from being PM. He and his mates are simply out of touch with Malta. Their ivory tower is about to come crashing down either soon or in 12 months' time.
Joe Fenech
Jan 18th, 12:37
Give us a break dear Henry !
Mr Marcel Dingli
Jan 18th, 14:35
Surely there is a hole in the bucket. Do you take that as a fix?
George Busuttil
Jan 18th, 12:25
In 1949 Mintoff did not split the Labour Party. He was elected leader by the general conference. It was Paul Boffa who split the party by leaving, together with some others, the Labour Party and forming a new party called the Malta Workers' Party.
Cecil Herbert Jones
Jan 18th, 17:48
Thats because he knew what he was doing, Paul Boffa that is, who also knew what Duminku Mintoff would be doing, that is turning the political direction of the Labour Party 180 degrees towards a perilous journey against the grain of the Cold War, a reputation which the Maltese will come to realise is unforgivable!!
Angelo Vassallo
Jan 18th, 12:17
@ m borg
Bilfors il-prezent biss jinteressakom, u dan ghaliex il-passat TISTHU minnu u l-futur TIBZGHU minnu ghaliex m'ghandkomx idea ta' kif ser tmexxu u tiggvernaw lill-pajjiz. Bahh u xejn hlief Bahh.
@ Guido Farrugia
Ghoqod incensah u jlaqghu lill-FD ukoll!!!!!!!!!! Ara vera kollox tghamlu ghall-poter. Jien staqsejt lillkom. Mela FD mhux "traditur" ghalikom? Nahseb li ser tghidu li huwa eroj. Hallina xbien.!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tal Labour ghajjru lil Mintoff "traditur" u Gonzi qal Li Dr. Debono " ITTRADIH". x'inhi d-differenza?. Hallin Sur Vassallo. Jekk ghandek naqra decenzza dak Dr. Franco Debono LLD MP u mhux FD.
Guido Farrugia
Jan 18th, 15:02
Ikonfermajt li lanqas biss taf fejn toqod id-decenza. Jien m-inhiex xbienek ta. Sadanittant ghadek ma rrispondejtx x-inhi differenza bejn TRADITUR U ITTRADIH.Jien m-ghandi bzonn nilaq lil hadd mhux bhalektigi fuq xi programm biex timpressjona.
Anthony Mizzi
Jan 18th, 15:07
Huwa sagrificju veru dak ta' Dr. Franco Debono li jahraq Karriera Politika li setghet tkun brillanti f'gieh l-interess mhux tieghu imma ta' Pajjizu!
B'dan il-gest Dr. Debono qieghed juri il-kullhadd kif ghandhu jkun Politiku u ghandhekk titghallem minnhu int l-ewwel wiehed- dak LI JGIB L-INTERESSI TAL-PAJJIZ ANKI QABEL DAWK TAL-PARTIT!
Angelo Vassallo
Jan 18th, 12:17
@ m borg
Bilfors il-prezent biss jinteressakom, u dan ghaliex il-passat TISTHU minnu u l-futur TIBZGHU minnu ghaliex m'ghandkomx idea ta' kif ser tmexxu u tiggvernaw lill-pajjiz. Bahh u xejn hlief Bahh.
@ Guido Farrugia
Ghoqod incensah u jlaqghu lill-FD ukoll!!!!!!!!!! Ara vera kollox tghamlu ghall-poter. Jien staqsejt lillkom. Mela FD mhux "traditur" ghalikom? Nahseb li ser tghidu li huwa eroj. Hallina xbien.!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tal Labour ghajjru lil Mintoff "traditur" u Gonzi qal Li Dr. Debono " ITTRADIH". x'inhi d-differenza?. Hallin Sur Vassallo. Jekk ghandek naqra decenzza dak Dr. Franco Debono LLD MP u mhux FD.
chris caruana
Jan 18th, 11:54
All i can say is that Franco Debono has everything to loose and nothing to gain , so he does not care about the majority mandate given to his party , he reasons that since he was chosen to be a minister , he will bring the party down with him.
No matter how right he is in his arguments , he has definately gone about it in the wrong way.
If he says that he got so many messages telling him prosit , keep it up , well done and so on .......
Why dont we hold a mini election in his district to whether gonzi or he should resign !!!
Bet you he will not accept .
Basically he knows he is finished for his bad behavior, so he does not really care about anything anymore except to save face at the cost of upsetting thousands of people.
No doubt he will regret his moves , but as usual after .
chris caruana
Jan 18th, 11:58
excuse me '' not chosen as a minister ''
Philip Bonello
Jan 18th, 11:53
Had I been elected to parliament, I too would have found it very difficult to say yes to all that the party dictates. My first loyalty would have been to the people who elected me and put their trust in me. As things stand we do not have a true democracy in Malta. We have a two party system in which the ruling party, having the majority, would dictate over the other party, over the whole nation. With a two party system and vigilant whips the ruling party can never be stopped. On the other hand true democracy is within reach and easily attained. All it takes is for parliament to decide that all votes in the house of representatives be secret. That would put an end to whips and allegiances. But neither party wants that; they're there not for you and me but for what they can grab.
Anthony Falzon
Jan 18th, 12:26
YOU ARE RIGHT PHILIP, IF ELECTED YOUR FIRST LOYALTY WOULD HAVE BEEN TO THE PEOPLE WHO ELECTED YOU......THAT IS WHY FRANCO SHOULD STOP ACTING LIKE A LITTLE CHILD ALL OUT FOR REVENGE.....BECAUSE THE PEOPLE WHO ELECTED HIM DO NOT WANT HIM TO BRING GONZI DOWN.
Philip Bonello
Jan 18th, 11:53
Had I been elected to parliament, I too would have found it very difficult to say yes to all that the party dictates. My first loyalty would have been to the people who elected me and put their trust in me. As things stand we do not have a true democracy in Malta. We have a two party system in which the ruling party, having the majority, would dictate over the other party, over the whole nation. With a two party system and vigilant whips the ruling party can never be stopped. On the other hand true democracy is within reach and easily attained. All it takes is for parliament to decide that all votes in the house of representatives be secret. That would put an end to whips and allegiances. But neither party wants that; they're there not for you and me but for what they can grab.
Mr Ronald Micallef
Jan 18th, 11:30
What you have to ask yourself is whether Debono would have all these issues with Dr Gonzi had he been given a post on the cabinet.
And the short answer is no. On the other hand he would have been parading up and down Republic Street showing off his new found status, because that is the essence of the man.
Carmel Farrugia
Jan 18th, 11:52
Buontempo was not an MP. The above articles only concern's MPs who changed parties while being MPs.. If one needs to also consider candiates then there must be hundreds who were candidates of more than one party at different times in their political carreer including Herbert Ganado, George Bonello de Puis, Guido Demarco, Sandro Schembri Adami, Benny Camilleri etc.
FRANS H SAID
Jan 18th, 11:28
What about the case of Bountempo?
Paul@ Micallef
Jan 18th, 11:04
Prof Frendo I ask you one thing. Where do you put the mark to avoid anyone overstepping it? You mentioned Jean-Pierre Farrugia. So. He did not stepped the markline. But the Government did not reverse the honoraria either. The honorable members you mentioned acted in the way they did because of many factors. None of them as bold and sound as the reasons explained by Dr Debono. Maybe personally he was after a ministerial position. But no one can argue that the stands that he took against his government's policies were wrong. I remember you as the editor of the newspaper Il-Hajja. You rebelled against the church conservative policy and was fired for publishing articles that did not see eye to eye with the maltese curia. You stood your way as Dr Franco Debono is doing now.
Mariano Camilleri
Jan 18th, 11:27
the only problem is that most of the times we dont agree with leaders but we cant go on tantrums when we dont....for example where i work i dont always agree with my managers and i do tell how to change things and situations but most of the time they do it their way this is the way it is, but i dont start acting weird and leave the job and tell the managers im not coming back unless they resign or change things the way i want it. you know what would happen if i or anyone of you did the same is we loose the job....this is whats happening. gonzi is the manager and debono doesnt like it so he is bringing down the whole company because he doesnt like or disagree with the manager...im sure lot of you understand what im saying as we all have jobs...if it was you doing it on your jobs you get sacked for gross misconduct
Paul@ Micallef
Jan 18th, 11:46
Mr Camilleri you cannot compare our jobs with that of parliamentary MP. The latter represent the people of his district. He is the person to stand up against anything and anyone that seems to be doing harm to the people. Everyone knows that a power station that works on heavy fuel oil is detrimental to the health especially to those who lives near the power station. The Government did not take any notice of the arguments raised by Dr Debono and continued with the planned poisonous fuel. Now an MP can do a lot of things. 1. Nothing. 2. Talk, talk, talk. 3. Do something. Dr Debono choose number 3. I thank him for that. You and I do not represent anyone except ourselves.
Emanuel Curmi
Jan 18th, 11:53
@Mariano Camilleri
In real life, a manager with the same track record as our PM would have been fired a long time ago....while nepotism, suspected corruption, lining ones own pocket can also be interpreted as gross misconduct ...don't you think ?
Giovanni Rizzo
Jan 18th, 12:18
Prosit sur Camilleri,naqbel 100% mieghek dwar meta l-Profs Frendo kien editur tal-Hajja u l-kumplament tal-kummenti tieghek.
Emanuel Curmi
Jan 18th, 10:58
The Political Parties spin machines comes in certain forms and this is just another one of them. Prof. Frendo should have stuck to listing historic cases instead of volunteering his wisdom at the end of the article. This gentleman is understandably distressed that the Party he supports, is facing such a stalemate so he is oblivious of the autocratic sickness prevailing in his party so is directing all his anger at the ‘scapegoat’ who has diagnosed the ailment and is doing something about it. Despite what the PN sleaze machine keeps insinuating, Dr Debono is not mentally impaired, far from it, but he is aware that he is playing his last card as a politician (so much for the legend that he is aspiring for a ministry). Despite going this alone, his courageous move may still save the day for the PN but that depends only on how deep the festering cyst is embedded within which ultimately may prove inoperable.
John Scerri
Jan 18th, 10:54
We are used to electing a party to govern for 5years .
We are not used to coalition governments since independence in 1964 .
How many of us have gone through reading the very interesting political history of Malta?
Yes we have a case here ..today...where a government is in serious danger of losing it's majority and instead call early elections.
Post war Italy had it's governments changed nearly every 18months due to so many '30 or more' political parties...this is an extreme and should not be the case for us.
On the other hand we must encourage the formation of a third and even forth political party which will have the strength and popular vote to win seats in our parliament and even form a coalition government.
The best about all this is that we are tackling such unfolding events in a democratic manner respecting everyone's right of freedom of speech and opinion.
Of course opinions differ we are not robots, Heated arguements occur ... but in the end I am sure that everyone will keep in mind the interest of the people of this beautiful island .
On a final note.... well done to all our political leaders for keeping calm and not creating panic...Episodes of violence are non existant and I am sure we are mature enough to keep it this way by the manner of talk our representatives in parliament and outside use during their public speeches.
Before we are Labour, Nationalist, AD, or other we are a sovereign nation of brothers and sisters seeking the same goal .....To Help Each Other Progress in Peace.
Alfred Falzon
Jan 18th, 16:32
@ John Scerri
Verbal violence can ultimately lead to physical violence...
It all started in our recent and not-so-recent political history with rabble-rousing cat-calls, various threats of fire and brimstone, reformers declared heretics, imposed exile, forced burials in unsacred ground "il-mizbla"), social discrimination, lack of freedom of expression (banned newpapers ), frame-ups and assassinations!
Let's hope that base insults, threats (including veiled ones the like we have read on internet) and gutter journalism, still very much rife today, will not lead to another shocking display of intolerance and the law of the jungle!!!
In the name of democracy and civility our people and Nation deserve much better!
To date both our Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi and the Leader of the Opposition Dr Joseph Muscat have condemned such irresponsible and shameful antics.
Now it's up to both parties' rank and file to follow suit and set the example!
Alfred A. Falzon
Angelo Vassallo
Jan 18th, 10:51
@ George Azzopardi @ Paul Saliba @ Guido Farrugia @ Marcel Dingli
Talli qieghed jaghmel l-istess haga, lil FD s'issa, intom il-lejboristi, ghandkom ma sejjahtulux "TRADITUR" bhal ma kontu ghajjatru lil Duminku Mintoff. X'inhi d-diferenza?
m borg
Jan 18th, 11:30
Id-differenza hi illi ahna mill-prezent li jinteressana u mhux x'gara sekli ilu. M'ahniex fi zmien il-kavallieri. Tista tifhimha dik jew le? MOVE ON jghidulha dik bl-ingliz.
Guido Farrugia
Jan 18th, 11:38
Tal Labour ghajjru lil Mintoff "traditur" u Gonzi qal Li Dr. Debono " ITTRADIH". x'inhi d-differenza?. Hallin Sur Vassallo. Jekk ghandek naqra decenzza dak Dr. Franco Debono LLD MP u mhux FD.
Alfred Falzon
Jan 18th, 10:47
Dr Jean-Pierre Farrugia's failed his Litmus Test when faced with the ultimate choice between the ruling Party and the people's interests!
The honoraria issue which he opposed in no uncertain terms exposed nonetheless his inability to persuade his own Party to subscribe to the great majority of the electorate's aspirations!
His armchair criticism lacked the punch and bold persuasion characteristic of his other NP Parliamentary colleague Dr Franco Debono who has rightly demonstrated without fear or favour that he is not glued to his seat for the pleasure of warming it!
Alfred A. Falzon
Emanuel Curmi
Jan 18th, 11:41
@Alfred Falzon
Agree completely. JPF stopped short in his tracks, fell in line with the party and ....nothing changed. If there was a clearer indication that dialogue is not encouraged or solicited in the PN, that was it. The Dr Debono saga is the overspill of an already boiling pot. Incredible how short sighted and forgetful everybody is when such matters come to a head especially when the indications were obvious for all to see.
George Azzopardi
Jan 18th, 10:42
An electoral defeat for the PN might be a blessing in disguise if it presents the party with the opportunity for a generational revolution.
Rachel Borg
Jan 18th, 10:53
and this country will be blessed with:
Joseph Muscat - Prime Minister
Anglu Farrugia - Deputy Prime Minister
Silvio Parnis - Ministru tas-South
Karmenu Vella - Ministru tal-import u l-export
Alex Sceberras Trigona - Ministru tal-Affarijiet Barranin
Joe Debono Grech - Ministru tal-IT
Daniela Camilleri
Jan 18th, 10:41
It's already 1030am and for some strange reason Franco Debono hasn't given a comment to the media yet. He just loves attention...
Mr Marcel Dingli
Jan 18th, 10:45
Yeah, he is acting silly, like a prima donna. Want attention ? Go see yourself in the mirror, it should give you a good laugh.
VINCENT WILLIAMS
Jan 18th, 10:40
I would like to quote something which happened in our Parliament in 1953 which, in my view resembles somewhat the present crises between the PM and Dr. Franco Debono from the same party in power. I would like to quote from the book 'Fortress Colony: The Final Act 1945-1964' (vol. I) by Profs. Joseph M. Pirotta from page 340:
Quote: "The backdrop to the Administration's activities remained Borgt Olivier's procrastination and refusal to take action on any matter in which he did not have a personal interest. This constant irritant to many within his own party was aggravated by the Prime Minister's 'reputation of being a dictator within his government.' In July 1953 it nearly proved his undoing.
Dr G.M.Camilleri, the ex-Minister for Industry and Commerce, had for quite some time been insisting on the holding of a Private Members' Day. Frustrated by his inability to pin down Borg Olivier ta a definite date, Camilleri decided to act. When the Prime Minister moved the adjournment of the House to 20 July, Camilleri promptly moved an amendment. He proposed that the House should reconvene the following day to give opportunity for a Private Members' Day. Camilleri explained that he was moving the amendment of behalf of six other Nationalist M.P.'s. He was also careful to add that no vote of censure was implied but that the amendment had been moved simply to exercise the right of backbenchers to have a Private Members'Day once a month.
Borg Olivier reacted angrily to what he considered as a challenge to his authority. He said that he refused to be blackmailed, and 'without consulting his colleagues,' he designated the vote as one of confidence in the government. On a division, the government was defeated 20-11. The Prime Minister said that he would consider his position." unquote.
It looks like that history does repeats itself.
Dr Gorg Borg Olivier (P.M.) and Dr G.M.Camilleri both came from the PN and served the country for many years in the House of Parliament.
Joe Vella Caruana
Jan 18th, 10:27
I would like to know where were the so called inteligenzia,such as Dr Frendo and his elk, druing the Mintoff vote against Dr Sant and what they were doing at that time..... trying to make Mintoff stay in line of his own party or adding fuel to the burning question?..... who gave him the time to speak in Parliament at lenght when his allocated time was over?
It seems that these intelligenzia are giv9int these matters two weights and two measures to suit their own policy.
Keep it up Dr Debono time will come when you will be quoted in history as one of the few staunch people's representatives who disregarded the party's tyranny and enslavement.when things were not working to the benefit of the Maltese in general.
Alfred Dimech
Jan 18th, 10:46
I don't know what Dr Frendo and his elk were doing during the Mintoff vote. Are you implying something about Dr. Frendo?
Mr Marcel Dingli
Jan 18th, 10:22
Angelo Vassallo, mhux il gebel u l bronze li jghodd, imma l memorja u r rispett.
Rachel Borg
Jan 18th, 10:13
of course, some of the MPs above were motivated by 'principle'. Franco Debono's motivation was, and is, a cabinet post he did not get.
Kathy Elliot
Jan 18th, 11:05
I agree, the base motivation is definitely that. However, I can't help but feel that in his will to pique the PM, he's brought to light a large number of issues that need discussing anyway. I just wish it had been done in a better way; in a time of crises like this (the budget! hanging!) we really don't need any delays.
Dominic Chircop
Jan 18th, 10:13
Dr Frendu, unwittingly or purposely, failed to mention that in 1974, twentyone out of twentyseven Nationalist Party MP's voted with the Labour Party on the Republic of Malta vote.
Naturally enough, as the PN then was not the private chattel of its leader, this has gone by largely unnoticed !
George Azzopardi
Jan 18th, 10:30
Correct .. and no one immigrated at that time!!
Angelo Vassallo
Jan 18th, 10:12
Sinjuri lejboristi, li kont minnkom, biex tirringrazzjaw lil min gab din il-krizi fil-pajjiz, tibdew kampanja ta' gbir ta' flus mill-gallarija l-gdida fic-centru taghkom fil-hamrun sabiex lil dak li skont is sur emanuel vella "haraq il-karriera politika tieghu biex jipprova isalva lil pajjizu" tghamlulu munument flok is-sabiha Fontana f'nofs Pjazza San Gorg Valletta quddiem il-Kamra tar-Rapprezentanti.
George Azzopardi
Jan 18th, 10:29
Sur nazjzonalist, mhux ahjar tiprova tara kif ha ssolvu t-tahwid li qed jghid u jaghmel il-mexxej tieghek Dr.Gonzi milli tara x'ha naghmlu ahna l-lejboristi!!! ;;)
Paul Saliba
Jan 18th, 10:32
Nithassrek siehbek
Guido Farrugia
Jan 18th, 10:43
L-ideja hija brillanti, iva, hekk haqqu Dr. Debono. Certament parlamentari li segwa l-gurament li ha ta lejalta lejn Ir-Republika Ta' Malta u l-Kostituzzjoni taghha. Nispera li tigi essegwita Sur Vassallo , fil mument opportun. Grazzi Dr. Debono.
Anthony Mizzi
Jan 18th, 12:47
Veru "LITTLE THINGS PLEASE LITTLE MINDS" biex toghxa b'erbgha water sprouts qisghom kanen maqsumin li issejhilhom funtana b'erbgha fanali qishom minn tal-War of the Worlds flok il-Monument Maestuz tas-7 Giunjo li kien jaghti identita il-Pjazza!
Intkom tnehhuhom il-monument f'tentativi pwerili biex min ghalikom tiktbu l-istorja ta' Malta bil verzjoni irtukkata taghkom u ta' min ixaqleb lejkhom u jriduha ta' "Newtrali"!
Huwa sagrificju veru dak ta' Franco Debono li jahraq Karriera Politika li setghet tkun brillanti f'gieh l-interess mhux tieghu imma ta' Pajjizu!
B'dan il-gest Dr. Debono qieghed juri il-kullhadd kif ghandhu jkun Politiku u ghandhekk titghallem minnhu int l-ewwel wiehed- dak LI JGIB L-INTERESSI TAL-PAJJIZ ANKI QABEL DAWK TAL-PARTIT!
Tony Busuttil
Jan 18th, 10:10
Franco Debono kellu l-kuragg u jghid li kellu jghid, ahjar mid deputati u Ministri li l-importanti jimxu min putruna ghal ohra basta jibqa jkollhom pultruna. Malta hija ta li skantament. Il bierah l-online poll tat TOM sa wara l-hamsa min 3000 vot tela ghal 10,000. Profs in nies mhux boloh
Angelo Baldacchino
Jan 18th, 10:03
And the point of this article is..?
Daniela Camilleri
Jan 18th, 09:59
What a shame that this political crisis has been created by a single MP because the Prime Minister did not appoint him Minister. Shame on you Franco Debono - you have put personal ambition before the national interest.
Mr Marcel Dingli
Jan 18th, 10:20
Is that all you have to say? Lets see who ends up with a red face.
Christine Vella
Jan 18th, 10:49
Shame on the government not Franco Debono, giving himself and his ministers a rise of 500eur and giving us 1.50eur...thats the shame !!!! Franco Debono had the courage to speak unlike others !!!!
Anthony Paris
Jan 18th, 11:00
This political crisis has been with us for a long time. . The Arriva crisis was there last summer, the crisis in the judicial system has been there for years, etc.,etc.Dr. Debono is demanding accountability on behalf of the electorate, since the Prime Minister does not seem to be interested. Do you understand the word "accountability"?
C Muscat
Jan 18th, 09:59
Li nixtieq inzid mal=profs hi li dawk li qrajt fuqhom li semma kollha kellhom problemi l hinn minnhom; l-ahhar li semma Mintoff kellu fuq il-Kottonera (u ma riedx iwaqqa l gvern) filwaqt li frank ser iwaqqa gvern ghax ma tah xejn la ministeru u lanqas bicca chairmanship.
Ma nahsebx li hemm equivoku ma li qed nghaddu; nispera li jm ma offrielux xi chairmanship ta din (Opinjoni personali).
B Attard
Jan 18th, 09:59
Cowardish people giving titles and adjectives to Franco. He's the one that's showing the light at the end of the tunnel. He always said the truth. Where is the petition against Franco for the 5 th district? So better shut up.
Joe Felice-Pace
Jan 18th, 09:58
Paul Carachi did demand an 'independent' seat and at one point asked the Speaker to allot him a seat in the corridor dividing the two sides of the House. Of course, this was not possible, as the Speaker noted. So he took his place at the back of the Labour side. He had been disappointed in connection with the allocation of a house to a constituent at Ħal Luqa, a matter which was resolved within days to his satisfaction. But it never can be said that he crossed the floor; his was a 'protesting' gesture. I was reporting the session and sitting right behind him. Joe Felice Pace
George Azzopardi
Jan 18th, 09:57
Mr.Frendo is trying to scare Dr.Debono that he would need to immigrate with stories from the past. Clearly this is the current strategy within the PN coming from people who miltate in PN backgrounds. People who could have also been taking strategic decisions at back stage.
To be fair mr.Frendo also mentioned what happened back in the 80's to MLP back then. And so one should also consider the concequences coming from these stories. Wenzu Mintoff did not need to immigrate and up to my knowledge is still somehow militant with PL. Everybody knows what position Tony Abela occupies today with PL as deputy leader.
What I think Mr.Frendo should consider is what will happen if Dr.Gonzi looses election. Will PN consider re-structuring, similar to what happened recently in PL. If they don't do it in the near future, I'm sure this would need to happen after repeated election defeats as happened in PL. As an example, should PN reconsider their position on divorce and other civil right principles.
Ben Agius
Jan 18th, 09:57
Even if the elephant analogy is appropriate: I'd rather have that than just a bunch of sheep doing as they are told even if it goes against the Party's beliefs etc. There is still clearly an element of self interest in what Franco Debono is doing however, that aside, you can't really fault his logic and reasons if indeed what he says is what happens in the PN. The PN should take note and reform itself to stop the rot. If it doesn't (and Labour too), in future, other MPs in similar situations and beliefs will take heart from what Franco Debono is doing. In that respect that is good for the political system and Democracy!
Rachel Borg
Jan 18th, 09:56
Franco Debono is holding the country at ransom because he wanted to become Minister, and Prime Minister Gonzi did the sensible thing not to appoint him. Period.
Mr Marcel Dingli
Jan 18th, 10:15
Yeah its always like that. You get out the ten packs and we`ll see.
Emanuel. Vella.
Jan 18th, 09:51
sur profs henry frendo,a brief history,taf x hemm hazin,li dr.franco debono haraq il-karriera politika tieghu,biex jipprova isalva lil pajjizzu.u possibli li il pn li ma ghamilx f 25 sena,issa li ghandu revolver ma rasu ha jaghmel li irid dr.franco debono.grazzi mil-qalb dr.franco debono tal kuragg,biex tipprova issalva lil pajjizzi,from a floating voter.
Joe Pavia
Jan 18th, 10:10
Sur Emanuel Vella could it be that Dr. Debono is aiming for leadership of the PN since Joseph Muscat and Dr Debono were fellow Students at college and one is a Leader and one is still a back bencher? I do not think that you can make any comments on Dr Frendo's article which is very accurate.
Ken Spiteri
Jan 18th, 09:50
Certain people think and the worse believe that they are the Einstein's of our country......
get a life Mr. frendo
Joe Pavia
Jan 18th, 10:11
Ken Spiteri I believe that you hit the nail on the head and he is.
Ken Spiteri
Jan 18th, 10:30
@ Joe pavia
Maybe for you he is, this shows how low self esteem you have for yourself....
Joe Pavia
Jan 18th, 13:56
Low self esteem is when you do not appreciate the persons capabilities and you only see things with the lens that you want to see Mr. Spiteri. Grow up and see things from all angles
Ken Spiteri
Jan 18th, 15:16
I do not need you either mr frendo to see things from a different angle, I can do that perfectly ALONE...
but cannot be said the same of you......
cheers
Joseph Portelli
Jan 18th, 09:48
franco debono qed jitlob ghar-rizenja ta diversi persuni ghax they did not deliver qed jghid . imma kieku sewwa li he leads by example. Hu zgur li he is not delivering dak li l-maggoranza assoluta ta' dawk li tawh il-vot taghhom fil-hames distrett jixtiequ minnu. Pls franco resign as soon as possible jew inkella erga lura fil-partit u kompli stinka biex dak li temmen fih tasal ghalih.
Carmelo Sammut
Jan 18th, 10:01
Inti bis serjeta ? Mhux qed tinduna li l partit taghna qed jizarma min meta gie Gonzi prosit Franco thanks ghalik qed inkunu nafu x inhi l verita u l hmieg li qatt ma hareg
Joseph Portelli
Jan 18th, 10:52
@carmelo sammut
b'min trid tqarraq?????
F. Pisani
Jan 18th, 09:45
Debono, on the contrary, is more of a loner acting rather like a rogue elephant,
Prove that Debono is just a show off, acting for his own personal achievement rather being the voice of the people. MLP supporters are only encouraging Debono to hold on so that they could have a go for an election.
Joe E Galea
Jan 18th, 09:59
Yes and what difference does it make for the PL supporters if the election comes now or in 12 months? The problem is that we have a very unstable government with no direction whatsover who managed the country by management by crisis during the last decades. Moreover, accountability, honesty, deliverance, etc have been removed fromt heir vocabulary long time ago. The importance of having an early election is that the instability that has stricken the country for a long time is ended as tough times are ahead due to the international crisis. And to steer successfully through tough times our country needs a fresh, proactive, honest and accountable government and this is only given by the PL at the moment. The GonziPN dynasty has uncurably deteriorated to the lowest of lows and need to spend time in opposition to cleanse, reconstruct and renew itself.
Alfred Falzon
Jan 18th, 09:44
Prof Frendo contested the local council elections in Attard on the PN ticket. However, he rightfully said that God forbids if MPs cannot vent particular grievances, oppose incompetence etc. Dr Debono is doing just that and more as he is the lone voice for the disgruntled citizens.
pat muscat
Jan 18th, 09:41
Rather than a rogue elephant, Dr Franco Debono is acting as a watch dog ; guarding and making sure that the citizens are not short changed by under performing ministers.
Mr Marcel Dingli
Jan 18th, 09:48
He sure is. Mess around with that one and you get a good grip of the fangs.
A Dimech
Jan 18th, 09:41
Prof. Frendo (a PN activitist - I believe) forgot to mention a very recent event of when Mintoff toppled Sant's government.
Prof. Frendo also forogt to mention the "divorce issue" rebellion which JPO spearheaded last year - when PN was very reluctant to give in to JPO demands.... and the party ended up split in two.
Mr Marcel Dingli
Jan 18th, 09:34
Pieta had enough time to come clean. Now let the rogue elephant do as he pleases and there are lions tigers and all the lot waiting to join in.