Debono softens position - may abstain but says he will not back government
Raises the possibility that he will abstain in crucial vote
Updated 12.35 p.m.
Franco Debono this afternoon hinted that he may have softened his position in his dispute with the Nationalist Party, mentioning, for the first time, the possibility that he may abstain in this Thursday's no confidence vote.
He also said that he 'may try' to attend the PN parliamentary group meeting, currently in progress.
Various observers over the past few days had spoken of a scenario where Dr Debono would not vote, meaning that there would be equal votes in favour and against the Opposition's no confidence motion.
Dr Debono would not deny this possibility when contacted today.
"That is a possibility" he said, but he insisted that the debate in parliament had to take place.
He said he would still not be supporting the government but added: "This could save the government, but with the motion neither being approved nor rejected, the ball would then be in the prime minister's court to decide a way forward," he said.
"The prime minister would then have greater responsibility, and a more difficult decision to decide the way forward."
Dr Debono yesterday had an inconclusive meeting with Prime Minister Gonzi, and contacts are thought to have continued today. The no confidence debate starts this evening.
Earlier today, The Times reported that House Speaker Michael Frendo will have no casting vote in next Thursday’s crucial parliamentary vote.
Furthermore, his vote would not be needed should Dr Debono take half a step back from his declared position of voting against the government and decide to abstain, since the vote of no confidence would be unsuccessful anyway.
This is because a vote of no confidence requires the backing of an absolute majority of members of Parliament if it is to pass. Given that there are 69 MPs, this means that a vote of no confidence requires at least 35 votes to succeed.
Constitutional law expert Dr Austin Bencini said that if Dr Debono makes good on his threat to vote with the Opposition in favour of a vote of no confidence, then Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat will have reached the 35-vote threshold necessary for the motion to pass.
Should, he however, decide to abstain, then the Opposition will only have 34 votes in favour of the motion – one short of the crucial house majority it needs. Article 76 (5) (a) of the Maltese Constitution is clear on this matter, stating that the President may dissolve Parliament “if the House of Representatives passes a resolution, supported by the votes of a majority of all the members thereof, that it has no confidence in the Government, and the Prime Minister does not within three days either resign from his office or advise a dissolution.”
Since a no-confidence motion requires a majority of all MPs, rather than a simple majority of those voting, the 35-vote threshold holds irrespective of the number of MPs who abstain – or fail to attend Parliament – during next Thursday’s vote.
In other words, Dr Muscat must ensure that every member of his parliamentary group, as well as one Nationalist MP, be it Dr Debono or anyone else, attends Parliament and supports the Opposition’s motion. Anything else will result in the motion failing.
The big debate
What: The debate in Parliament this week will centre on a motion of no confidence in the government, signed by PL deputy leader and MP Anġlu Farrugia as well as PL whip Joe Mizzi. The motion will require 35 votes if it is to pass. There are 34 Labour MPs.
When: The debate starts this evening at 6 and will last until 9. It will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday evening for three hours at a time. There will be a final round of speakers on Thursday morning, before a vote is taken at noon. The PN parliamentary group will have 10 hours of debating time with the Opposition limiting itself to 90 minutes.
Who: Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat will open and close the debate. It is still not known which Nationalist MPs will speak, with PN whip David Agius saying yesterday that the list – and order – of speakers had yet to be finalised. It remains to be seen whether the debate’s catalyst, government MP Franco Debono, will speak. Each speaker will be allotted a maximum of one hour.
And then? If the Opposition musters the 35 votes necessary for the motion to pass, the Prime Minister will have up to three days to advise the President to dissolve Parliament and call a snap election. Otherwise, the government can technically remain in power till the end of its legislature in 15 months’ time.
Election? An election must be held between 33 days and three months after the dissolution of Parliament. In practice, this means that, if next Thursday’s motion passes, an election may be held any day between March 2 and April 29.
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Bundy does not know whether to...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
'No need for early election if PM's...
In Discussion
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Gozo tunnel could take 5-7 years to...
CABS remote controlled aircraft shot...
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Joseph Calleja condemns portrayal of...
Updated: Labour would give...
CABS drone shot down
Second group of migrants arrives
Adrian Vassallo in scathing...
171 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
A Caruana
Jan 24th, 21:09
What a farce, this is better then Dallas TV serial in it's heyday!
John Azzopoardi
Jan 24th, 01:27
What a big joke is this guy taking us for. It's now official. The government is not going to be defeated, based on the latest antics by Debono. I still say, call an election and decide this once and for. And don't allow JPO or Debono contest the election on the PN side or any rebel for that matter. The voter have a right to elect people who are going to represent them not those who turn out to be traitors due to their egoistic selves.
Johnny Jonta
Jan 23rd, 22:14
Franco I agree with everything you are saying and with how you want to bring the Government down, albeit not with how you went about doing it. There was no need to make us aware of your school certificates. That portrayed you as a weak person, trying to justify your act......and FFS stop playing with that mobile phone when you are on TV. It's rude. You managed to annihilate Lou Bondi, but your pathetic fiddling with that phone made you look very unprofessional. If, come Thursday, you abstain, you will now lose all credibility. The Nationalists need a good kick in the groin for they have become incredulously arrogant. Stick to your guns and, whatever happens, you can hold your head high. Do otherwise, and you will be remembered forever as one with no principles and of weak character. For those that are wondering, and before you have time to start posting replies, I have voted PN during each election since 1987.
Alfred Cassar
Jan 23rd, 20:43
I think it's about time Debono decides what he wants. He either vote against and call it a day or else be gentlemen enough to resign his post from parliament.
As simple as that Dr Debono, otherwise you are just playing for glory
Mr leo attard
Jan 23rd, 20:10
i can picture the Loony Tunes ending with franco DEbono popping out with a smile 'BI.BI.BI THAT'S ALL FOLKS!........too early for april fool's
Mr charles azzopardi
Jan 23rd, 19:52
If as Dr Edward Debono suggests we put the neutrality hat on our heads , if it exists at all in Malta , one will find that again we have a Palio di Siena Govt with one horse threatening the whole race and deciding when
to start .
So since this situation may repeat itself , and it looks to be the end of party politics or rather with outsiders who can grab easily the govt .. why not have the general election to be similar to the EU election .. with a country wide quota for whoever wants to be elected ..
This way people like Franco Debono can collect 8000 votes all over Malta and keep his well deserved seat .. after all parties are full of mules that just rubber stamp what papers are passed in front of their nose .. do we need these people ?
mark borg
Jan 23rd, 19:36
There is a big possibility that Franco will abstain ? Well its a democratic country (or it used to be) and he has every right ...however he should be held responsable for the time loss and billed for the whole expence of this motion if he abstaines or votes against,since originally it was his own idea and also declaring he was against the PM and a vote of no confidence should be called.......anyway Dr Gonzi the longer you take to call the election the larger your historic landslide would be ....
Joseph Dimech
Jan 23rd, 19:34
What will happen then if opposition gets 34 votes and there will be more than 1 to abstain. i mean it will resilt in 34 votes for no confidence 33 votes for confidence and 2 abstains??
Antoine Vella
Jan 23rd, 19:57
The Opposition must have 35 votes in favour of its no-confidence motion.
If there are 34 votes in favour and 35 abstentions, the motion will NOT pass.
m. borg (slm)
Jan 23rd, 19:33
Franco if you can't walk the talk then take the gonziPN supporters advice and give up your seat.
.
Man are measured by their word and not their talk.
M. Bezzina
Jan 23rd, 18:36
Purcinellati dak zgur!!!
William Massa
Jan 23rd, 18:12
There is a big possibility that Dr. Franco Debono may abstain in the crucial vote on Thursday. The motion of no confidence of the PL will not pass and the Parliament will continue. Every bill that will be presented in Parliament will have the same result in the voting : that of a draw 34 / 34. Do you call that a stable Government ??? Will somebody with an intention of investing in this country go on with his plans??? We shall be having another whole year of Political Instability. Enjoy yourselves PN. God Bless Dr. Joseph Muscat.
M Grima
Jan 23rd, 17:49
Every single PN blogger and the majority of nationalists, including members of Parliament were calling for Franco's blood just the other day. Today, because they are seeing a simmer of hope of fulfilling their obsession to stay in power, they have changed their tune. What a bunch of hypocrites.
Franco, you have called the clique around Gonzi as evil. Do you think they have changed overnight or that they will ever trust you.
joseph saliba
Jan 23rd, 18:03
very unusual...!
Peter Bonnici
Jan 23rd, 18:41
How shameful. Some years down the line they'd be inviting the traitor's daughter to address the party's annual general conference.
Antoine Vella
Jan 23rd, 19:00
M Grima, surely you mean a glimmer or hope. What's simmering is the pot that Labour stirs.
Vincent Cassar
Jan 23rd, 17:44
Next Thursday's vote will not say anything about the PM's or Leader of the Opposition's character. They did what they have been constitutionally obliged to do: One to find a solution and the other to test the Government's legitimacy to govern. Any of the bloggers writing here would have done the same had they either been the PM or the Leader of the Opposition and I'm quite sure about it. Next Thursday will only confirm Franco's character. We will wait and see what stuff the Hon. Dr. Franco Debono is made up of: if he really had democracy at heart after all this bla bla or whether he can be made to "sit down and shut up". Indeed, there is only one potential winner and loser in all this: Franco Debono.
ronald ciscaldi
Jan 23rd, 17:52
kif ma tisthix tikteb hekk vince . jaqghu mintiex tghix fdal pajjiz . ghandna gvern bla bazwa bhall ma kien il gvern tal labour ta 1987 . il problema hi li hemm xi erba nies bhalek li qed ipapuwa sew u mohhom biss li jibqghu fil poter . Dal pajjiz tqazzez bil mod kif inhu immexxi . kif ma tisthix taqbel mall mizuri li qed jiehu dal gvern - erba jpapuwa u ahna nhallsu it taxxi ghalijom . ghalina kollox joghla u m'hemmx x'taghmel u ghal erba tal qalba hlief jibilaw it tenders mhumiex .
carmelo buttigieg
Jan 23rd, 17:41
is seduta tal lejla ha tinaghta live fuq COMMEDY CHANNEL bl attur principali jkun GONZI de vito . il problema hi li jekk jirbah xi oscar il prim ministru lanqas ghandu biex jerfa l-award ghax idejh tmermru
charles flask
Jan 23rd, 17:39
Franco jekk jogbok iddecidi jew naha jew ohra ghax hawn pajjiz jixtieq ikompli jghix . Ifhem mhux li ghandek hafna choice minn fejn taghzel ghax hlief jaghqlawlek shabek tal partit tieghek ma ghamlux dan lahhar gimghatejn . min jilaqek u min jaqlalek . Il haga hi li tal labour mandhomx bzonnok ghax ghandom mizibilju kandidati so li missek taghmel hu tehles u twarrab mill politika ghax qazzizt il partit tieghek u qazzizt il bqija li jixtiequ jkomplu jahdmu !!
Gonzi u int ahjar iccaqlaq dawk lidejn li ghandek ax min sodi spiccaw ferba bicciet
susan matrenza
Jan 23rd, 17:33
Kif dal prim ministru ghadu ma qatax qalbu . Jien nghid ghalija dan jew qed jghix fil qamar jew tant ghandu ghall qalbu is siggu ta kastilja illi trid tkun altru imbecili biex taghmel xi 13 il xahar iehor skjav ta siggu ta wiehed . Jien ghalija jekk ha jibqa ha joghqod jilghab bil prim ministru kull gimgha u jekk jivvota kontra jaghmel pjacir li socjeta ghax nehilsu u forsi nergghu nibdew indawru ir rota . Tghidu x tghidu alfred sant ghamel lahjar ghax qabad u qataha darba al dejjem mela spicca purcinell bhall gonzi
kirsty quattromani
Jan 23rd, 17:29
dawn hasbuni papri . Jafu jiehdu stand u jghidulna x.sejjer jigri ghax wiehed qiesu laqtitu sajjetta ( il prim ) u liehor qiesu trumbun ( franco ) daqqa jhabbat mod u daqqa mod iehor .
Timmaginawh dan wara dan it tetrin kollhu jerga jkun parti mill pn ? nahseb kollha ha joqodu janquh u jbusuh
R. Gauci
Jan 23rd, 18:03
Kumment vera bis-sens ! Ha jkolli naghmillek LIKE !! :)
Red Devil
Jan 23rd, 17:25
If Franco Debono abstains or votes in favor of the Government, he will be the laughing stock of all of Malta and Europe. I hope he sticks to his guns and keeps his word otherwise, he is just a puppet or someone who can obviously be bought/ sell out.
You have done a lot of good Dr Debono. Please do not throw everything away now that the last and decisive step needs to be taken! Do not be intimidated or blinded by false and hollow promises! Should the vote of no confidence fail, you will be ejected and all your work and reputation will go down the drain...
Have faith!
M Borg
Jan 23rd, 17:49
Rather than being " the laughing stock of all of Malta and Europe " if Franco Debono abstains he would show that he wants the good of Malta.
What will you get if we have an election at this time ? At the very worst you might lose your job or at best remain at it but on a lower pay.
Is that what you want ? Will that make you happy ??
T Gauci
Jan 23rd, 17:17
So what happens if it ends in stalemate ?
mark borg
Jan 23rd, 20:29
PENALTIES !
Andrew Grech
Jan 23rd, 17:06
Biex min go t-tagen ghal go n-nar, ahjar nibqu kif ahna !!!!!!
mark borg
Jan 23rd, 19:38
HELLOW..... AHNA DIGA QEDIN FIN NHAR ! JHEKK FORSI INT QED FIT TAGEN
Giov DeMartino
Jan 23rd, 19:51
Mark Borg ahjar jikteb bic-ciniz ghax il-Malti tieghu tal-wahx. Bhall-passat laburista.
John Tabone
Jan 23rd, 17:01
PL supporters are talking about the cliques in the PN (factions yes)....just wait when they are elected ..(if)...First they'll have to find their bearing and footing...secondly they'll tell us that there is a big "HOFRA"....then "Nisikkaw ic-cinturin"...instability at it's best .... but then we have to believe our DR.Joseph ..that Malta will become the Number 1 in the EU ... a bit far fetched ... but then he said he has the best and most talented politicians...let's wait and see....good luck
Jack Attard
Jan 23rd, 16:47
Partit Negativ warrab min nofs.
T Gauci
Jan 23rd, 16:44
The miracle of Edwin's hand worked after all.
R. Balzan
Jan 23rd, 17:02
Keep dreaming, Mr Gauci. In case you haven't heard, Dr Debono felt offended by the Mosta man's hypocrisy. And so did most of Malta.
Francis Attard
Jan 23rd, 16:38
It's your turn to be held hostage Dr Debono.
Thomas Mifsud
Jan 23rd, 16:33
For Franco to change his mind will mean he gave up the fight. This government is so corrupt it is now even buying his own backbenchers. Shame on all the PN parliamentaries, SHAME!!
fredu debono
Jan 23rd, 16:37
daqshekk capcaptulu l-franco. nahseb induna kemm kien qed ipaxxikom u jtikom pjacir halli kif iwaqqa l-gvern tinsewh.
Andrew Siad
Jan 23rd, 16:51
@ fredu debono
daqsekk GHAJARTUH l Franco
Giov DeMartino
Jan 23rd, 16:32
Daqshekk dam ragel Franco! Nispera li jiehu din l-okkazzjoni biex jerga'jigi kollox ghan-normal.KUlhadd qal li ghandek hafna ragun, IMMA l-mod li qed tipprova tiehdu ma tantx jaghmel sens. Kuragg Franco. Il-bhieb tal-PN u tas-salvazzjoni ta' Malta ghadu miftuh ghalik u ghal kulhadd ta' rieda tajba. Thallix min jibqa' jimliek bix-xemgha.
Alfred Falzon
Jan 23rd, 19:07
@ Giov De Martrino
You don't have to call him any more traitor now if it transpires that he abstains!
Alfred A. Falzon
Giov DeMartino
Jan 23rd, 19:53
Sur Falzon int ghal Mintoff qed tghid traditur? Imisskom tisthu tghajru traditur u tippruvaw toqtlu lill-ikbar Malti.
Alfred Falzon
Jan 24th, 21:45
@ Giov DeMartino
I make a comment in English (as it should be) on an on-line local English-language daily and you answer me in garbled Maltese!
Is it perhaps because you are now feeling guilty for having found fault several times, and in a crude way, with MP Dr Franco Debono, who is not afraid to speak out and rightly fight back with conviction the aberrations of a Party with intolerant diehards and MPs who should know better!
Nationalist MPs Dr Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, Mr Edwin Vassallo, Mr Mugliett, etc, unlike Dr Beppe Fenech Adami and others of his ilk, have set an example of what civility really stands for!
You should emulate them, as simple as that, for they are an asset to their Party unlike others who have stooped so low in their base attacks on FRANCO!
Alfred A. Falzon
David Bonnici
Jan 23rd, 16:14
I am a floating voter. My last vote went to PN but honestly I am fed up with his famous clique, as you all know NO ACCOUNTABILTY. I admired Hon Franco Debono for standing up and stopping this corruption. I wish that there will be a lot more like FD. He should vote in favour of this motion so we can stop this again FAMOUS CLIQUE once and for all.
Charles Micallef
Jan 23rd, 16:06
More in conclusive action, which the Country cannot afford, so how about placing the Countries needs first.... that will make a nice change!
Francis Attard
Jan 23rd, 16:05
Min jghid wisq ftit fih risq.
John Zammit
Jan 23rd, 16:03
Pajjiz tal Mickey Mouse All that scenario and I am sure Dr.Debono will abstain
dino galea
Jan 23rd, 16:00
i think that he will abstain
John Said
Jan 23rd, 15:56
Maybe Dr Debono realised that if the no confidence motion goes through, and the Labour party will win the election, he will surely have no power, and the good things he is talking about will definitely not be implemented. Holding the government at ransom for a few more months will give him a greater possibility to see these needed changes taking place. Very intelligent move Franco, now you are talking seriously......now you are really showing that you mean what you say. Tpaxxi lil had, la naha u qas l'ohra!!!!
ruth klotzer
Jan 23rd, 19:11
Did Franco Debono realize that now? After all the attention the media gave him? My! My! I don't think Dr. Debono would be holding the government at ransom, I think the "government" is holding Dr. Debono by the giblets and it's either - do what I say, or .....
Anthony Castillo
Jan 23rd, 15:54
issa ghax sa jatsjeni Dr Franco Debono ma ghadux ragel, lanqas ghandkom GHACC ghal POTER. Qatalkom l- ghacc bil perzut . Ghankom ragun ghax KWART TA SEKLU fl' OPPOZIZJONI 25 SENA nikmandawkom u ghad baqqa iktar.
Joseph Borg
Jan 23rd, 16:32
Mr Castillo, your level of Maltese especially the use of ghacc and baqqa are a clear sign that the pn wasted 25years of investing in education. Good luck in commanding!
Mr Ernest Vella
Jan 23rd, 15:47
ejja Franco...ha turi li int ghal darb'ohra ahjar min Joseph Muscat...ir-riformi ghandhom isiru imma min gol-partit u mhux min barra...taqbilx ma kollox sewwa taghmel...imma fl-ahhar fil-vot always PN
Lawrence Fenech
Jan 23rd, 15:46
Mintoff kien ragel u ammetta li kien ghamel zball meta ghamel lil-Carmenu Mifsud Bonnici prim ministru.
EFA ma kienx ragel daqsu meta ghamel lil-Gonzi prim ministru wara l'izbaji fatali kollha li ghamel.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Jan 23rd, 15:45
Dr Franco Debono is coyly playing "hard to get" and keeping friend an foe alike on tenterhooks for as long as possible. He must eke out his last days of notoriety to the bitter end. But all things, good or bad, will have to come to an end, and the sooner the better so that government would be able to devote its energies to deal with real internstionsl economic problems, not contrived selfish personal problems.
John Mifsud
Jan 23rd, 16:57
F'dan il-kuntest nammira hafna li int wiehed mill-ftit li kont konsistenti mal-kitbiet tieghek fuq din il-kwistjioni.
Meta taqra l-kitbiet ta' llum fuq Dr Debono minn min kiteb kontrieh jew favorih f'dawn l-ahhar granet, jew tidhak, jew tibki, jew inkella tahseb li qieghed tghix f'cuckoo land.......
Fenech MD
Jan 23rd, 15:44
F'kummenti li ghamilt qabel ghidt li nirringrazzja 'l Alla li ghad hawn irgiel fost l-MPs - Dr Franco Debono - li m'humiex YesMan.
Milli jidher kont zbaljat.
Imma jekk Dr Debono behsiebu joqghod johloq krisi wara l-ohra biex imbaghad jibla' dak kollu li jkun qal, ahjar jirrizenja u jhalli l-Parlament jahdem bil-kwiet. Bniedem tnehhilu l-irgulija u l-kelma ma jifdallu xejn. Din l-incertezza m'hiex qed taghmel gid lil pajjiz.
Jekk Dr Debono VERA m'ghandux fiducja fil-gvern ta' Dr Gonzi ghandu jivvota kontra.
Jekk m'huwiex ragel li jipprattika dak li jghid m'ghandux ghalxiex jghid kontra Dr Gonzi ghax qed jaghmel ezatt bhalu. F'dan il-kas ahjar jirrizenja.
Joseph E Briffa
Jan 23rd, 16:25
Franco intelligenti bizejjed biex jaghraf id-differenza bejn Malta mmexxija mill-PN u Malta mmexxija mil Labour.
mark farrugia
Jan 23rd, 16:39
Fenech MD
naqbel mieghek 100%. Dr Debono irrid jiddeciedi se jaghmel. Jekk behsiebu joqghod jaghddi iz zmien bil poplu u ihalli il pajjiz f'din lincertezza kollha ahjar jirrezenja. Mhux waqqaf pajjiz u joqghod jirrikatta lil gvern ghax fl ahhar mill ahhar ahna ic cittadini inbaghtu.
patrick atkins
Jan 23rd, 15:29
Franco ara ftit kif dawk li bdew ifahhruk u jghidu kliem kommoventi fuqek kif kixfu l-maskra u issa qed inejbulek. Iftah ghajnejk
Stephen Abela
Jan 23rd, 15:27
I hope that Franco Debono sticks to his guns , cause apart from being politicaly dead he will end up with a profesional death too .
I strongly believe in his arguments and he must show he has the b.....ls to do it , otherwise he is just like the others .
Christine Vella
Jan 23rd, 15:24
@ Joe Borg: anka inthom waqaftu tajruh u iggeluh jirrezenja!!! Min kollox taghmlu biex tibqghu fil-gvern titmejlu bil-poplu. Gvern li jahseb fih biss!!! Jisraqna hajjin u tibqghu tilaquh. Ma nistax nifhem
twanny borg
Jan 23rd, 15:16
ahjar il-pn imur ghall-elezzjoni ghax franco xorta se jibqgha jirrikatta l-pajjiz f'din is-siegha ta' bzonn
John Mifsud
Jan 23rd, 15:10
Donnu li dak li qal fuqu Dr Beppe Fenech Adami ghamillu xi effett. Interessanti!!
Noel Mifsud
Jan 23rd, 15:09
Jien fdajt fih ghax tkellem u hadd mill gvern ma qal li mhux veru, u jekk jerga jdur ara ma jahsibx li se jikseb xi fiducja tan nazzjaonalisti u ghalija jien xorta Gonzi jibqa bla maggoranza ghax urih bic car li ma ghandux fisducja fih, xi haga gara biex bidel fehmtu l izjed wara dik it tghajjira ta Beppe.
Noel Mifsud
Jan 23rd, 15:09
Jien fdajt fih ghax tkellem u hadd mill gvern ma qal li mhux veru, u jekk jerga jdur ara ma jahsibx li se jikseb xi fiducja tan nazzjaonalisti u ghalija jien xorta Gonzi jibqa bla maggoranza ghax urih bic car li ma ghandux fisducja fih, xi haga gara biex bidel fehmtu l izjed wara dik it tghajjira ta Beppe.
Jo Camm
Jan 23rd, 14:55
FRANCO: Jekk vera trid il-gid lil-Malta u lil-Maltin ma jaqbillekx twaqqa' l-Gvern. Mil-PL ma tantx nistennew affarijiet ahjar. Zgur ukoll li l'idejat tieghek jigu mwarrba.
Mel'ahsibha tajjeb u tpaxxix lil dawk li jridu jinqdew bik!!!!
Joscar Camilleri
Jan 23rd, 14:54
You labour opportunists now are trying to comment about Franco Debono????Dont you think that Franco dont giva a damn about labour comments and what you say?Mintomx ha taghmlulu bzar f ghajnejh ghax indunna li qedin tippruvaw tuzawh ja qabda mejta al Poter
Frank Borg
Jan 23rd, 14:52
Franco's abstaining now will not solve any problems for Gonzi, after all, Gonzi yesterday dismissed any suggestion of a temporary agreement which would allow the government to withstand Thursday’s no-confidence vote but leave the crisis unresolved. He said: That is not a solution. Any solution must clarify things up to the end of this legislature, not just till next Thursday. We don’t just assume responsibility for a week. He insisted that he would not be held at ransom – “I do not accept any conditions!”. he said that any such solution needed to be unconditional, long-term and in line with the government’s electoral programme. So until this very morning, Franco insisted that certain ministers who are advisors to the Prime Minister should resign. So what happened in these last few hours? Will they be resigning? The only way out I see for this Government to prevail is for Franco to resign from Parliament, and let Gonzi win, as otherwise either Gonzi or Franco will have to swallow their declarations, since they both insisted on each other to resign. With Franco abstaining or voting against the Opposition's motion next Thursday, things will only be patched up temporarily, which is not acceptable to Gonzi according to his speech yesterday. This will also mean that Franco will have lost all his credibility as apart from causing turmoil in his party, he would have caused precious time to our Country. So Franco, either stick with your words or vanish from the political scene.
Noel Gatt
Jan 23rd, 14:52
Daqs gimgha ilu kont ktibt fuq dan il forum li Dr Debono gej mil partit tal U-turns u ma nistagibx li jittiehed. Min jaf hux ser ikolli ragun? Wara kollox , jekk Franco jrid iwahlu lil PN, kulma ghandu jghamel jastjeni. B hekk tkompli tohrog fic-car il kilba ghal poter ta GonziPN waqt li f xenarju ta gvern instabli tkompli tissahhah l opposizzjoni!
M Grima
Jan 23rd, 14:50
The man is either taking everyone for a ride or else he is has lost his marbles.
If he votes with the opposition half of Malta will love him and the other half would despise for the rest of his life. Political career may be salvaged by joining the PL after the election
If he abstains, half of Malta would think that he is a liar and the other would never trust him. Political career zero.
If he votes against the motion half of Malta would hate him and the other would never trust him. political career zero.
Perhaps this kind of drama is allowed in our Maltese Courts but in politics this is a no,no. Whichever avenue you choose to take you will judged accordingly.
vincent a galea
Jan 23rd, 14:50
Eh! Come on! Lets all admit, ITS BEEN FUN WHILE IT LASTED !!!!!!!
A lot of true colours came out and we know much more about people who we were not sure of or knew very little about their loyalties!!!!
WELL DONE, FRANCO !!!! Who needs ARRIVA..... THIS WAS THE BEST RIDE EVER !!!!!!!!!!!
patrick atkins
Jan 23rd, 14:49
Ghamel kuragg u thallix ilpup li lesti biex jirkbu ma kull okkazzjoni jsahnuk ghax wara l-istess nies li ghandhom ghatx ghal poter jghajruk.Jekk tara l-kummenti diga bdew inejbu ghalik,KURAGG
charles caruana
Jan 23rd, 14:48
First the nationalist bloggers were in a panic or full of appeals and threats, now it is the labour diehards who are manifesting the same symptoms.What a farce, and the number of clowns contributing to it is impressive.
Mr Joe Cardona
Jan 23rd, 14:47
Tas-soltu din. L-ewwel jghidu mod u imbaghad jagixxu mod iehor.
U turn ohra biex jikkomoda l-Gvern.
Issa nispera li ma johrogx b'xi haga ohra u jhedded lil Gvern li se jivvota kontra wara nhar il-HAMIS.
Zgur li hadd ma jemmnu.
Charles Caruana
Jan 23rd, 14:43
Did any one really think that Franco was going to topple the Government with all that is at stake? No hiding place would have been safe enough I would think.
And so we have to wait for another tear jerking performance from Joseph Muscat.
Anthony Fenech
Jan 23rd, 14:39
Franco diga talthom qata fimsarinhom.Diga waqfu ifahruk u daqt jibdew jajruk.Haddem mohhok sew.
James Attard
Jan 23rd, 14:35
Kif Jista jastjeni issa wara dak kollu li qalgha ?? Daqshekk hu ragel issa, kif ha jkollu l opportunita li jivvota kontra ha jastjeni?? dan ha juri lil poplu kemm mhux bniedem li tavda jekk ha jastjeni.
Joe Spiteri Gauci
Jan 23rd, 14:34
Franco, what you think is best to do ... do it!!!!... don't listen to those who want an early election (as they are hungry for power) or to those who want to remain in power (as they are blood-suckers) ... JUST DO WHAT YOU THINK IS BEST.
Jay Aquilina
Jan 23rd, 14:29
mela issa tista tahdem ma Dr.Gonzi? m'ghadex Dr Debono li jrid jitlaq Gonzi biex nimxu l quddiem? jew jien jew int xi hadd minnha mignun zgur jew ma nafux bil-malti. ehh bilhaqq mela irridu nghidu lil Peter Darmanin jerga jhasrek mill mizla tal partit issa. u mur niex bhalek imn alla mhux qieghed fil PL ghax jien ma rridx nies li llum jghidu mod u jumejn wara jghidu mod iehor.
Mariella Galea
Jan 23rd, 14:26
"Everyone has a price, the important thing is to find out what it is." Looks like someone found Debono's
Jonathan Zammit Lapira
Jan 23rd, 14:19
It looks that all those speeches by Dr. Debono in favour of DEMOCRACY are going down the drain!!!!!!!!!!
It looks clearly now that Franco wants to amend/introduce the bill re the party financing before the next election. Hence PL no-confidence motion will not pass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hsibtek ragel izjed Franco!!!!!!!!!!
Alan Abela-Wadge
Jan 23rd, 14:19
Dr. Franco Debono is playing is cards right, he believes that he can work towards improving the situation and he can only be part of the changing team if the current government is allowed to finish its term. Should there be an election Dr. Debono wouldn't be in the Parliament thus he wouldn't be part of the change. I say he is doing a right move there.
Antoine Vella
Jan 23rd, 14:14
Mintoffians were premature in their hypocritical exaltation of Franco Debono and are now prematurely vilifying him.
Joseph Cini
Jan 23rd, 14:12
DR. FRANCO DEBONO LET EVERYONE SAY WHAT HE L;IKES, BUT BE LOYAL TO YOUR PARTY&
TO THE PRIME MINISTER. YOUR POINTS MAY HAVE A VALUE BUT YOU SHOULD KNOW WHERE
DEMOCRACY IS ..... KURAGG DR. FRANCO DEBONO.
Charles J. Buttigieg
Jan 23rd, 14:09
A 34\34 result would mean a hung parliament which cannot function. Moreover for a PM to remain incumbent he must command the support of 50% + 1 MP in the house. Which rule in democracy can accept a situation where the Leader of the opposition enjoys exactly the same support in parliament like the PM?
Victor Laiviera
Jan 23rd, 14:01
Whatever happens tonight or on Thursday, this regime is damaged beyond repair. Even if, somehow, Gonzi manages to hang on (probably with the help of the Speaker) he will still be a lame-duck premier, at a time when the country desperately needs strong and stable leadership.
If Gonzi denies the people the right to decide who they want to lead them at this critical time, his name will go down in infamy in Malta's political history.
mario scerri
Jan 23rd, 14:01
Min jitwieled tond ma jmutx kwadru l-istess gonzipn jibqa ghaddej bhal gaffa minn fuq kulhadd. Ghalhekk Franco nappellalek f gieh l-interess nazzjonali ibqa konsistenti mal-pozizzjoni originali tieghek.
Anthony Agius
Jan 23rd, 14:00
Change of heart? Seems like Franco fell for their lies.......or maybe a handout to shut up and behave. Shame!
Mr J Xerri
Jan 23rd, 14:00
.... and what is the Prime Minister promising Dr Debono this time?
R Grima
Jan 23rd, 13:52
A change of heart ? How uncharectartistic of Franco Debono. From what I understand it seems that he is giving in to the pressure made by his party.
Joseph Sammut
Jan 23rd, 14:02
Imma mhux naturali li l-partit jghamel pressure; mela dawn affarijiet tac-cajt? Din turik kemm mhux veru FD ghandu ghal-qalbu l-poplu w iktar Malta. Dan l-loghob bil-kostitwenti.
Henry S Pace
Jan 23rd, 13:48
@ J. Debono
' In 1998, it was Dr. Alfred Sant who called a motion of confidence. Therefore as Mintoff abs'tained, the speaker had to vote. This time round, it is the opposition calling for a 'no-confidence vote'
In 1998 Mintoff voted against the Cottonera project . As Alfe=red Sant declared that he would take this motion as a 'Confidence Vote' Government lost its Majority. The Speaker (Miriam Spiteri Debono) was never called to give the Casting vote .
J. Debono
Jan 23rd, 15:03
It makes no difference. What I know is that the PN waited 8 months and never called a vote of NO confidence,
whilst in a similar scenario, the PL called a NO confidence vote in just 5 days.
And on top of that, the PL have the cheek to call the PN power hungry.
The PL made one mistake. They played their trump card on a person like Franco Debono
Ms Xaxa Caruana
Jan 23rd, 13:45
Franco possibli ha taghmel U TURN .
So ahna il poplu x nahsbu issa li dak diskors sabih li ghedt favur il poplu kien kollu gideb?
Jekk tastjeni wara dak il-paroli kollu ikun ifisser haga wahda li gonzipn kellu ragun fuqek.
b'dispjacir qed nghid hekk ghax min bidu nett tkellimt u ghedt kemm hu sincier dal bnidem u kemm hemm bzonn aktar bhalu, imma issa ma nafx.
Joseph Sammut
Jan 23rd, 14:07
Jien dejjem ghidt li FD haraq lilu n-nifsu, jghamel x-jghamel. Ser jghider ikrah ma kulhadd, blu jew ahmar, u dan mhux ghax l-affarijiet li semma m'humiex tajbin, imma ghax kif ghamilhom w ghadu jghamilhom. Msieken ahna. Dawn l-affarijiest juru bic-car kif il-politici ghedin fl-gholi jilghabu c-chess binha.
Frans Bugeja
Jan 23rd, 14:28
Xaxa..kemm hu kbir l-ghatx li ghandkom ghal poter????????
L-ghajta tal-PN dejjem kienet li s-sewwa jirbah zgur,u jekk l-elezzjoni ssir sena ohra veru jkum hemm min jiehu tkaxkira,u aktar milli tahseb int,imma dan ikun il-PL
Noel Zahra Diacono
Jan 23rd, 15:49
Napbel mieghel perfettament.
Joe Busuttil
Jan 23rd, 13:43
Don't tell me you are going to trust GonziPN again are you? Remember--Fool me once ,shame on you ;fool me twice shame on me.
Jason Borg
Jan 23rd, 16:00
Nice one ,Mr busutill
If Franco Debono trust Gonzi again , he is just as one of them again...
He is part of their lies too
Mark. Galea
Jan 23rd, 13:39
uff xi dwejjaq ... mhux ser ikun hemm elezzjoni fil-qrib? Kont diga xtrajt l-imkatar godda bl-arma l-gdida u tellajt il-bandiera gdida bl-arma gdida :(
Ms Xaxa Caruana
Jan 23rd, 13:47
lol kemm inti funny ahahahah fqajtni Mark.........
Elezzjoni f Marzu tat 2013 taf xi tkun tfisser ghal PN?????
TKAXKIRA TA VERA.
Tahseb inti li jekk Franco jastjeni l-inkwiet ghal pn spicca??? of course not dear Mark, l-inkwiet ha jzid u jzid.WAIT AND SEE.
J Busuttil
Jan 23rd, 14:29
Xaxa
You are counting you chickens again. It seems you never learn
Fran Abela
Jan 23rd, 15:46
Ajma alumenu hemm xi hadd b'sense of humour' - Kemm tidhu il politika bis-serjeta ahwa Maltin. Itallmghu ic-cajtaw dakxejn qisu waslet l-ahhar tad-dinja !
Mark. Galea
Jan 23rd, 15:52
Dear Xaxa
x'int tinkwieta ... jekk fit-2013 jitla l-PN, nkomplu nimxu 'l quddiem, jekk jitla l-PL torhos il-hajja. Pero jigri x'jirgi, jien ikolli nibqa nqum kmieni biex immur ix-xoghol - ma nafx int, imma jien nahdem mal-privat ... no gravy train (imma nahseb li int ser ikollok ... bil-hegga li ghandek)
Mr Joe Borg
Jan 23rd, 13:38
Malajr waqaftu tfahhruh, ja qatta opportunisti, mejta biex titilghu fil-gvern.
Mr Charles Falzon
Jan 23rd, 14:09
Hahahaha u n nazzjonalisti waqfu joffennduh biex jibqghu imwahhla mal poter. Min jaf x inhu l ahjar hux!!!!
Mario Scicluna
Jan 23rd, 14:26
Issa mhux zibel? Issa mhux traditur? Insejt x'ivvinta Beppe fuqu l-bierah? ma zeblahtuhx bizzejjed bil-kowc u mhux kowc, u tghajjruh mignun! Ipokriti, mkahhlin mas-siggu! GHax ma tghidux li ser tbulu tahtkhom ghax ser tinqata ic-cejca!
Jay Aquilina
Jan 23rd, 14:32
ahseb u ara min hu marbut mal poter kemm hu opportunist izjed
Brian Gatt
Jan 23rd, 15:07
Dear Mr Borg,
Ma hemm lébda raguni li ma tfahhrux lil Dr Debono, He stood up for his principles, basically he stood up for the common man in the street....the comments you are seeing here are comments of people who had found a hero who stood up for them against all odds and now....well now it seems that he is faltering, Now if the last knight in shining armour abandons us who will be our shield?
Dear Franco please stand fast and dont give in you are the hero of the common people irrespective of which colour they side with, believe me deep down inside everyone is hoping that you succed in your quest.
M.Dolores Vassallo
Jan 23rd, 15:27
Il-Maggoranza tal-Poplu Mhux mejta biex il PL jitla fil Gvern, imma mejta biex nehilsu min dal gvern tal klikek, gvern li ma jimpurtahx miz-zhir gvern giddieb u qerq. Dawn x'jahsbu tal PN li huma ghall l'etern fil gvern li huma biss minalijom jafu jmexxu.
Andrew Siad
Jan 23rd, 15:54
u intom waqaftu tghajruh!!
Terence Grech
Jan 23rd, 13:38
Abstaining from this vote will merely mean that all he did was in VAIN and that he ruined his personal potential career for nothing.
It will only be favoring a team who didn't give you a chance and who voted that you should JUST resign if you don't agree.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Jan 23rd, 14:50
You are wrong. FD will abstain and will continue to threaten Gonzi so that he gets his proposals into law. This is why he has presented a motion regarding a new law on party financing. He will get this through (against much opposition from the NP) but the NP will have no choice- its either FD's law or early elections for the NP.
F. Pisani
Jan 23rd, 13:36
thus this mean that the pre honey moon for MLP is over?
Reinhard Azzopardi
Jan 23rd, 14:00
Let's not be hasty. We'll wait and see. S'issa dejjem zelqu fin-niexef (hargu jiccelebraw ir-rebha tal-partnership u dahlu lura fi djarhom b'denbhom bejn saqajhom u hames snin wara ma tghallmux u hargu idoqqu fil-11 ta filghodu u kellhom jidhlu lura bhac-cwiec). Issa ghadha ma giet imhabbra l-ebda elezzjoni u diga qed jaraw lil joseph taghhom tiela t-tarag ta kastilja. Nistennew u naraw. Maybe they'll be right this time. Maybe not. Only time will tell.
Fran Abela
Jan 23rd, 15:50
Oh dear - will Dr. Muscat cry now - he is seeing his dream of becoming the youngest prime minister today before tomorrow - slowly vanish - at least for the next few months. Have hope, I am sure you will make it at the next elections, only you will be a year older - dearie me !
albert galea
Jan 23rd, 13:35
What is Dr. Debono playing at? Is he so irresponsable that he says one thing and does another ? If he wants people to take him seriously he must act on what he says and not back up at the moment of truth.
jeneba caruana
Jan 23rd, 13:32
what a whole mess!!
B Agius
Jan 23rd, 13:20
Why is this considered a news as even though Dr. Debono did not want to stay with Dr. Gonzi at the helm, he never mentioned anything about voting against the government. All those who fell prey to all this farse will now have to face the music as this was just another act by which the PN will get out clean and even better similar to the JPO case.
However, I still feel that Dr. Debono's political career is now over, and he should better think again before making any statement.
The main problem should Dr. Debono abstain is that a lot of people in the streets where seeing in Dr. Debono a person who puts their interest prior to his, but by abstaining he would again let them down as he did in the Arriva case.
Dr. Debono, by abstaining you are more clearly showing that you you are made of the same stuff as all other politicians and that when it comes to take a stance on a decision you put your interest before that of the country and of the people...who now do not have a voice at all.
RIP Dr. Debono......
Joe E Galea
Jan 23rd, 13:17
Franco Debono dak kollu li ghidt ma jiswa xejn. Int qed tappoggja l-istess nies li int ikkritikajt bil-qawwi. Ma nahsibx li dawn saru xi qaddisin f'daqqa wahda. Qas haqq kemm hlejt hin lill-pajjiz u kkummidjajt. Jekk tastjeni jew tivvota mal-Gvern imbaghad tal-PN jkollhom ragun meta akkuzawk li int ghax ma hadtx dak li ridt qed taghmel hekk u mhux ghax temmen f'dak li qed tghid.
Jien nikkongratula lil GOnziPN li akkost ta' kollox jirnexxielhom jibqghu mwahhlin mal-poter, ghax jigri x'jigri xorta gvern instabbli jibqa. GonziPN ikunu rebhu sena ohra fejn matul din is-sena jaghtu kollox lil kulhadd ha jirbhu xi voti lura u jidhru li ara wara 4 snin ta' xoghol ghaqli issa kollox ward u zahar.
Raymond Gauci
Jan 23rd, 13:17
I admired Dr.Debono for being so outspoken and being so courageus but he is now starting to melt
down and soon he will regret what he did if he abstains. NO ONE WILL TRUST HIM ANYMORE EVEN HIS CLIENTS
ALBERT FENECH
Jan 23rd, 13:14
Former British Prime Minister Lady Margaret Thatcher once famously said "this lady is not for turning". It seems that now in Malta we are going to experience a "this gentleman is for turning" ... and the circus continues and as Julius Caesar once famously said, "give the population bread and circuses and then more bread and more circuses" and that will keep them happy. The Maltese political farce concocted, staged and performed by the GonziPN troupe of wandering minstrels has surely plunged to its lowest low.
ALBERT FENECH
Manwel Debattista
Jan 23rd, 13:08
If the Hon. Franco Debono abstains or votes against the no-confidence vote, he will be the biggest coward in Malta's political history. He will go from hero to zero in a matter of a few minutes.
Victor Calleja
Jan 23rd, 13:07
Franco if you abstain it is the end of your political carrier. These people will not forgive you . The first chance they will find they will throw you out.
If you abstain you will be the joker of the whole country. So better think twice
Joseph Sammut
Jan 23rd, 14:13
Why should they forgive him: who can erase the past? Not even the PL would trust him, use him yes, but not trust him.
Lawrence Camilleri
Jan 23rd, 13:03
Tajjeb li d-dabittitu jsir, hekk ghandu jkun ladarba qieghed fuq l-agenda u tajjeb ukoll li tastjieni jekk jidhirlek li hekk l-ahjar fic-cirkustanzi Dr Debono. Li tivvota kontra l-mozzjoni huwa iktar ahjar, wara kollox mhux int ghamiltha l-mozzjoni izda dawk li la jridu l-gid tal-Gvern u l-pajjiz u wisq inqas il-gid tieghek. Li tastjieni jfisser hafna - ghall-Gvern tieghek, ghall-oppozizzjoni u ghall-Pajjiz in generali. Il-punt tieghek ghamiltu u ghamiltu car, issa li jmiss fil-kumplament tal-legislatura tibqa' tahdem vicin ta shabek membri Nazzjonalisti biex dak li tixtieq isir u jigi accettat, isir. Cert jien, anke int, li tajjeb biss johrog minn dan.
A. Xuereb
Jan 23rd, 13:11
So Dr Debono is ready to forgive and forget the onslaught on him from various parties.He was called a liar,a traitor, a madman and a baby....Guess some were right on the last point.
Wonder what s in it for him now? Oh yeah,sorry,I forgot.....he wants to be justice minister!
Paul Micallef
Jan 23rd, 13:21
@Camilleri,
EH Uu tahdmu ma bniedem hekk??? Li qall dawk il-kliem kollha, mar ridx nahdem ma GONZI, EVIL, mhux demokratiku, ARRIVA, POWER STATION, ecc ecc. KECCEJTUH; GHAJJARTUH TRADITUR; issa triduh lura??? ARE VERA TA, RAGEL DAQS KHEMM KIEN ALFRED SANT hadd u hadd.
Issa ha jillghaqu GONZI??? Ghalfejn ma tahx li rid??? Vera Partit tal UUUUUUUUUUUUUUU TUUUUUUUUUNNNNNSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Pero wahda nejd JIXRAQILKHOM.
Mario J Spiteri
Jan 23rd, 13:28
Min ma riedx iressaq il-mozzjoni ma jridx il-gid la ghall-gvern tieghu u wisq anqas lil pajjiz!
Dak li kien japplika fl-1998 japplika l-istess illum u ghal min qalu/kitbu dak iz-zmien!
Nahseb milli qed nara intom zgur li QATT ma kontu temmnu f'demokrazijz izda kif tilghabu bl-imhuh u thawwlu l-biza!
Darren Vassallo
Jan 23rd, 13:02
TO ALL: DO YOU THINK THAT IF DR.DEBONO ABSTAIN THE GOVERMENT WILL BE IN THE POSTION TO
CONTINUE??
HE WILL NOT VOTE AGAINST HIS GOVERMENT OK,BUT HE IS SAYING TO THE GOVERMENT THAT HE DO
NOT HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE GOVERMENT
IT IS OBVIOUS
Ian Mamo
Jan 23rd, 13:10
You will be amazed how capable they are of changing their versions....
Trid wisq biex jghid li no confidence is in the Leader other than the Govement it self????
I Have a feeling that this is a U TURN!!!!!!!
Joe Borg
Jan 23rd, 15:05
why are you shouting?
Mr Charles Falzon
Jan 23rd, 13:01
Did the EVIL in th NP vanish Dr Debono?
A Dimech
Jan 23rd, 13:01
x'tahwid....
fl'interess ta' serjeta anke jekk jastjeni - xorta wahda m'hawnx stabilita' politika, u gonzi ghandu triq wahda - elezjoni!
Alex Falzon
Jan 23rd, 13:00
The Italian parliament is much more worse than ours. Our history recalls that these are few occassions that such matters take place.
With good will the matter will be solved as the PM claimed yesterday - this is the PN democratic way of doing things... nevertheless, I still believe that a general election will take place by the end of the year.
Clifford Grech
Jan 23rd, 13:00
Going back on your word .. ?
Joseph Calleja
Jan 23rd, 13:30
He did before, why is it so different now? Abstaining is a coward's way out.
aldo Attard
Jan 23rd, 12:56
Can there be a secret vote ?
Can there be a secret vote ?
Can there be a secret vote and made foul proof ?
Andrew Cauchi
Jan 23rd, 13:46
it's 'fool' proof.
So in Maltese parliment, no.
N Spiteri
Jan 23rd, 12:56
prosit Franco....waqajt ghalijhom....kompli ahdem ma nies evil, bla kuxjenza, bla demokrazija, bla principji etc etc etc......MUX JIEN GHIDTHOM DAWN
Joseph Aquilina
Jan 23rd, 13:17
Xbajt tfahru il Franco ... so as long as he plays PM game ... Franco is a GREAT MAN ... then all of a sudden he becomes "eveil" ...
N Spiteri
Jan 23rd, 15:22
@ Joseph Aquilina
I have never said that Franco is evil. What I said is that I can't understand how Franco can go back from what he stated.
If he truly believe in what he said, he CAN'T keep working within the NP
Alex Ellul
Jan 23rd, 12:55
The reason why all this hurry for the PL to take power is because if this legislature survives, with the end of the world being 12/12/2012, then PL will never have the chance to be in power. Thus, if elections were held in April, the PL would at least have done a short stint in power before the planet ends up in a whiff of smoke, or a small big bang. LOL.
Joseph Galea
Jan 23rd, 12:54
The JOKER of the island!
michael scicluna
Jan 23rd, 12:53
if im not mistaken, hadn't the speaker voted back in 1998 when Mintoff abstained?
J. Debono
Jan 23rd, 12:57
The PN, contrary to the PL, NEVER made a 'no confidence vote!'
In 1998, it was Dr. Alfred Sant who called a motion of confidence. Therefore as Mintoff abstained, the speaker had to vote. This time round, it is the opposition calling for a 'no-confidence vote'
daniel farrugia
Jan 23rd, 13:05
dear j.debono,
you are wrong eddie's opposition made a vote of no confidence in march 1998 ! it did not pass since mintoff abstained! you are wrongly informed from PBS and all the other pn media!
Richard Caruana
Jan 23rd, 14:24
D Farrugia
Can you quote a reference re the March 1998 vote of no confidence by the PN please? I can only find Maltastar mentioning it. Went through all the Times and Sunday Times for March 1998 and there's no mention of it anywhere.
Please do not try to re-write history.
alfred seguna
Jan 23rd, 12:52
Then why all this ,"loghob bil bzallu".Are we going to waste so many sessions in vain.Please do not treat people like fools any more .Let us be more serious.Or is this another only in Malta.As I already expressed myself I feel that every member is only concerned only with his situation.VERU POPLU MISKIN!!!!!!!!!
Joseph Sammut
Jan 23rd, 12:49
Smajtuha tfaqqa? Softening up he calls it. Or is it realisation? Ghandhekk l-unur dubjuz li gennint pajjiz, blu jew ahmar.
Fred Vella
Jan 23rd, 11:48
Never vote for the best candidate, vote for the one who will do the least harm.
Ian Mamo
Jan 23rd, 13:00
Well said....... no such thing as Best!!!
Fred Vella
Jan 23rd, 11:47
The best reason I can think of for not running for president of the Malta is that you have to shave twice a day
Bernard Pollacco
Jan 23rd, 11:38
issa min fuq li spjega xa haga fuq suggett li mux kullhadd jifem xi tridu jaghmel ? joghqod jistaqsi bhac cuc ? uwejja naqa sens komun
Mr Hans Borg
Jan 23rd, 11:34
Dr Gonzi, save your party's face and call the election before loosing the no-confident vote.
godwin difesa
Jan 23rd, 12:15
Why all this rush for election PL had been in opposition for almost 25 years why not wait for another year.When things are done with very rush many times never succeeded so try to be patient in life and try not to take for granted that PL is going to win do not forget 2008 only 4 years ago it was a big surprise for every one.
Paul Micallef
Jan 23rd, 13:02
@difesa
GHALFEJN NISTENNEW??? Biex issir iktar hsara??? Jekk ghamel tant gid GONZI PN ghalfejn jibza???
Darren Micallef
Jan 23rd, 16:15
@Paul Micallef
Ha nwiegbek jiena ghalfejn nistennew. Ghaliex dan il-Gvern tela' b'mod demokratiku b'maggoranza relattiva fil-Gvern u sa ma jkun hemm prova kontrarja fil-Parlament, dan il-Gvern jibqa' bil-maggoranza fil-Parlament ukoll.
L-ebda PM ma ghandu jsejjah elezzjoni bikrija biex juri lil xi hadd li ma ghandux ghalfejn jibza'. Hadd ma ghandu ghalfejn jibza' minn elezzjoni, wisq inqas partit li kiseb 6 maggoranzi fl-ahhar 7 elezzjonijiet generali.
So, nieqfu pls b'dawn l-argumenti nfantili.
E. Azzopardi
Jan 23rd, 11:25
As I have been reading, there is also another solution. In our heart of hearts we all know that we should not have an election at this time. It will not be good for the COUNTRY AND THE PEOPLE. This we have heard from our top politicians. Therefore, I firmly believe that this administration should go on till the end. There is another solution and that is for the PM to resign, ( after all he said this himself and that he will do what he has to do for the benefit of the people and the country) without any condition. Somebody else should step in ( and for goodness sake, somebody accepts) and then Dr. Debono will vote with the government and it continue with its plans as the PM himself has been saying. Can you imagine, changing government now, as Labour will win and perhaps, the PN will win again next year. Three administrations in one and a half years!! Have we thought of this and what a disaster that would be for our BELOVED COUNTRY.. That would be a world record. So let's do it for the love of the country. Obviously, the best solution would be to reconcile now , before Thursday. But one cannot reconcile with Dr. Debono whilst the big mouths of the PN, who have not heeded the PM ( who should have a stricter and tighter role on his MP's) keep uttering stupid and silly remarks. Will thosel please shut up?
Shaun Borg
Jan 23rd, 11:45
Three administrations in 1 and a half years? I didn't get that, isn't a legislature 5 years long? If PL wins the election, wouldn't the next election be held in 2017?
Joseph Sammut
Jan 23rd, 12:12
Mr. Azzopardi, I tend to agree with most of what you said. However, let's say for a moment that Gonzi resigns, the PN installs a new leader, the PN wins the election and FD is not installed as a minister. What then, we start all over again? Jahassra, our BELOVED COUNTRY!!!!!
Joe E Galea
Jan 23rd, 13:22
"It will not be good for the COUNTRY AND THE PEOPLE. This we have heard from our top politicians." - only from those who want to hold on their power at all costs, i.e. GOnziPN only.
"Can you imagine, changing government now, as Labour will win and perhaps, the PN will win again next year."...this statement says it all about you. Your post is just a waste of time. Your reasoning is bursting with sense.
Joseph Sammut
Jan 23rd, 11:20
U le mhux hullhadd.
N Spiteri
Jan 23rd, 11:17
Dr Bencini....thanks for this info however this was common knowledge. If Franco abstains, it will be a victory for PN. Have you ever thought that Michael Frendo will vote with the opposition?? I don't think so.
I have expected a much better and fruitful argument from you.
city busuttil
Jan 23rd, 13:28
Jahasra ead properly: "Earlier today, The Times reported that House Speaker Michael Frendo will have no casting vote in next Thursday’s crucial parliamentary vote."
Mr Michael Debono
Jan 23rd, 09:37
Dr Austin Bencini repeated what everyone knows.
Michele Buttigieg
Jan 23rd, 11:42
unlike you some people arent all knowing, all Dr. Bencini is doing is explaining what could happen.
Charles Grima
Jan 23rd, 12:16
@Mr.Debono : I don't know why you are surmising that everyone knows this.... mates in my office did not know that you have to get 35 votes... and barely understood it.
Carmel Xuereb
Jan 23rd, 12:33
@ Charles Grima: Mela intom tahdmu f'xi ufficcju tal-bidja hlief fil-gdur ma tifhmux. Mhix ovja li trid il-maggoranza biex tirbha vot ta' sfiducja, m'ghandekx ghalfejn tigi l-ewwel fil-Matrikol nahseb imma hemm bzonn li jkollok mohh biex tahseb u xejn izjed il-maggoranza ta' 69hija 34 +1 =35.
Michele Buttigieg
Jan 23rd, 13:14
@ carmel xuereb
people like you make people like me(educated people) ashamed to be Maltese! thank you and as a side note stop using the internet as you are wasting it!
Charles Grima
Jan 23rd, 13:31
@Carmel Xuereb.. ghandek it-temerita li tghajjarna gdur?
Jekk il PL imorru kollha, u tal PN ma jmur HADD jigu 34-0... u xorta ma tghaddix.... iridu jgibu 35 jew iktar. Ghall informazzjoni tieghek LE, mhux ovvja ghal kullhadd... u tinsiex li jistghu jitilfu il PN, u xorta jibqghu fil-gvern...
PS. Qabel tghajjar lil haddiehor bil-haxix, ahjar tara tieghek!!!! Kissirthom il-kliem biex bnejt sentenza...