Mass exodus from Parliament as Debono concludes speech
The debate on the no confidence motion in the government, moved by the Opposition is now in its third day.
A vote on the motion is being taken tomorrow at noon. A request by The Times to photograph part of the proceedings was refused. See http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120125/local/parliament-live.403841
Tonight's proceedings as they develop are being reported here. The debate is also being reported live in a separate at: http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120125/local/debate.403850
10.11 p.m. - Mr Vassallo concludes his speech. The House is adjourned to tomorrow morning.
10.03 p.m. - The Speaker says it is time for the House to adjourn. Mr Vassallo says he will start concluding his speech. Opposition leader Joseph Muscat says he is willing to listen to his colleague for as long as he wants.
9.47 p.m. - Mr Micallef concludes speech. Edwin Vassallo takes the floor and thanks Dr Debono for his speech and for taking to the House what he felt was unjust.
9.36 p.m. - Mr Gouder concludes his speech. Peter Micallef starts his and says the people had expressed their confidence in the government in the election and their five-year mandate to the government should be respected.
9.27 p.m. - timesofmalta.com requests comment on camera from Dr Debono but he says he is too tired to give one.
9.25 p.m. - Dr Debono walks with Mario Galea and is now in St George's Square with PN whip David Agius.
9.22 p.m. - Edwin Vassallo and David Agius immediately go to speak to Dr Debono. Karl Gouder now has the floor. He says now take stock of the situation and consider the repercussions.
9.21 p.m. - Says PM has the right to appoint whoever he wants to cabinet but he also has the right not to agree with policies. Dr Debono ends his speech. Mass exodus.
9.20 p.m. - Reiterates that most important thing is keeping ministers accountable and not shutting up backbenchers.
9.19 p.m. - Quotes statements he had given The Times before the reshuffle.
9.18 p.m. - Says international economic crisis cannot be used as an excuse for lack of reforms.
9.17 p.m. - Says PM should have resigned on divorce issue. Says result may have been a message from God to keep him out of certain issues.
9.15 p.m. - Speaker points out that Dr Debono's debate time is up. Dr Debono asks for a 10-minute extension. PN whip David Agius agrees, points out that there are another three speakers tonight. PL whip Joe Mizzi also agrees to extension.
9.14 p.m. - Criticises Prime Minister's parliamentary vote on the Divorce Law. Says one cannot assume that a vote is going to pass as this goes against the spirit of democracy.
9.13 p.m. - Says PM should not create system of a parallel universe with ministers and a couple of other people in one and the backbenchers and rest of the people in the other.
9.11 p.m. - Again refers to right of having assistance of a lawyer during interrogation and asks what was solved under 'the reign' of De Gaetano.
9.09 p.m. - Says reform was not about buying machines as was happening in primary health. Reform in primary case should have been the emergency department and waiting lists.
9.08 p.m. - Says biggest successful reform in this legislature was that on rental laws.
9.06 p.m. - Says parties are there to form policies and not to break people. Decisions such as that of the honoraria taken behind the back of the parliamentary group breaks team spirit. Says one cannot expect others to be team players but not be one himself.
9.05 p.m. - Says MEP election result made him realise the problems the country is facing.
9.04 p.m. - Criticised PN for the way it tackled Schiavone issues and accuses Schiavone of being obsessed with power. Opposition leader laughs heartily. Says he is not as old as Mr Debono Grech. Everyone is laughing, even Dr Gonzi smiles.
9.03 p.m. - Speaker points out that it is 9 p.m. but both sides agree debate should continue.
9 p.m. - Says democracy is not party loyalty manual. Mentions Herman Schiavone by name saying he invented an allegation about him which he heard of seven years later. Says allegation was false and without basis.
8.59 p.m. - Says MP's primary loyalty is to his electorate and ministers should not use pretext of party loyalty to walk over the backbench. MPs should not be toys or passive spectators even under normal circumstances.
8.58 p.m. - Says bad political system making a victim out of the people, including himself and cannot continue.
8.56 p.m. - Says there is lack of accountability and culture of resignations does not exist. Refers to his thesis and says that when he says that when he said that MPs should be reluctant to embarass the government, he was referring to the British system.
8.54 p.m. - Says water and electricity rates in Malta are among the highest in Europe and the main reason is that the country is opting for a power station which works on heavy fuel oil.
8.52 p.m. - Dr Debono calls for reform in libel laws.
8.51 p.m. - Honoraria increase breached principle of Parliament's autonomy. Both whips are having a conversation with the Speaker. Clyde Puli walks in.
8.50 p.m. - Calls for reform in electoral law.
8.48 p.m. - Says many agree with his calls for reform and this proves there are shortcomings.
8.47 p.m. - Says PM has discretion on who to appoint in cabinet but he has the right not to agree with policy.
8.44 p.m. - Says that although party loyalty is important, it is not the beginning and the end. PM has to administer the country and manage his group as a father manages a family. This is easier in Malta as the group is relatively small. A PM should give the people who merit their dues and remove those who do not deliver.
8.43 p.m. - He speaks of need for electoral reform but says more importantly, ministers have to be kept accountable.
8.41 p.m. - Says his electors want him to be treated well. The Opposition is all smiles. Someone beats on the bench slightly but stops before it was really audible. Although PM is not looking at Dr Debono, Minister Cristina looks at him intently.
8.40 p.m. - Says that as an elected MP he cannot stop at writing articles.
8.39 p.m. - Says people gave him right to speak and the government has the duty to act.
8.37 p.m. - Speaks of inacceptable system in prisons. He refers to Josette Bickle without mentioning her name, who, he says was condemned because of the system.
8.34 p.m. - Says ordinary justice system was dismantled for a parallel one of tribunals headed by lawyers, a great danger and inacceptable in a small country like Malta.
8.32 p.m. - Speaks of need for great reforms in the administration of justice.
8.30 p.m. - Speaks on importance of having separate ministries for justice and home affairs and says this happened due to his insistence.
8.29 p.m. - Says he originally defended Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici but then he made comments on right to a lawyer which he did not like. He had to pressure for antiquated cassette tapes system to be changed and certain halls still use this system.
8.26 p.m. - Dr Debono says that at the beginning of the debate, PL whip requested permission of House for sitting to be filmed for five minutes. Nothing wrong in this but it is absurd that in this time and age Parliament did not have the means through which people can follow proceedings. Says that in the digital era, Parliament is working with radio and Court with cassette tapes.
8.24 p.m. - Parliamentary Secretary Galea takes Dr Debono's phone and places it underneath his bench.
8.23 p.m. - Phone rings again.
8.22 p.m. - People in the Strangers Gallery laugh as Dr Debono's mobile phone rings. Stephen Spiteri, PN, walks in.
8.20 p.m. - Most of the government's front bench are not in Chamber. The only cabinet members in the House are Dr Gonzi and Ministers Cristina and Azzopardi.
8.19 p.m. - Perfect silence in House as Dr Debono is delivering his speech.
8.17 p.m. - Dr Debono says employment is important but man does not live on bread alone. People also need rights and dignity.
8.16 p.m. - Opposition leader is smiling and listening carefully.
8.15 p.m. - Dr Azzopardi concludes and Dr Debono takes over. Says he loves his party and he will be making his speech with a heavy heart. He says he is one of the most loyal MPs to the Prime Minister but he is not given the credit he is due.
8.14 p.m. - Both the Chamber and the Strangers Gallery are practically foll as anticipation for Dr Debono's speech increases. Dr Debono looks impatient to start. He gets up.
8.09 p.m. - Karl Gouder and Edwin Vassallo have to speak before Dr Debono according to the agenda. Dr Debono was due to start his speech at 8 p.m.
8.08 p.m. - Dr Herrera walks in proudly with a packet of Twistees which he shares with his colleages. The atmosphere seems to be relaxed and friendly on both sides.
8.06 p.m. - The Chamber is filling up steadily. Charles Mangion, PL, is now also in Chamber.
8.02 p.m. - Many MPs, including Dr Debono and Mr Galea, are following this live blog on tablets and joking about some of the comments.
8 p.m. - Jose Herrera, PL, is in the Chamber.
7.59 p.m. - Joe Debono Grech, PL, walks in. Joe Falzon, PN, is also in the Chamber.
7.56 p.m. - Mr Galea concludes his speech and Parliamentary Secretary Jason Azzopardi takes the floor. He says the motion reflects the Opposition leader's thirst for power. Before Dr Azzopardi stands to start his speech, Dr Debono gets up to speak but Parliamentary Secretary Galea holds his shoulder and makes him sit again. Chris Cardona tells Mr Galea to leave Dr Debono alone. Dr Debono sits without protest.
7.55 p.m. - Dr Debono is gearing up for his speech. He stretches his neck and shakes his legs. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando approaches him.
7.54 p.m. - Michael Falzon, PL, is in the Chamber.
7.51 p.m. - Prime Minister looks anxious as he listens intently.
7.46 p.m. - While Mr Galea's speech sparks protest from Labour MP Helena Dalli, it elects smiles from Dr Debono, the Prime Minister and the other MPs on the PN benches.
7.44 p.m. - Mr Galea condemns hatred on blogs and misinformation on broadcasting media belonging to political parties as he closes his speech. Mario Galea takes the floor. Says he told Dr Debono yesterday he did not agree with his method but he was making people pray - for an election or for one not to be held. He then told him to forget his comment so he does not insist on becoming a saint and calls for the Pope's resignation. With glass of water in hand, Dr Debono laughs as Mr Galea recounts the joke.
7.40 p.m. - Dr Debono walks behind Strangers Gallery. He passes Manuel Delia but makes no eye contact.
7.39 p.m. - Charlo Bonnici, PN, is in the Chamber.
7.37 p.m. - Mr Arrigo approaches Dr Debono as soon as he enters the Chamber. Yesterday, Mr Arrigo vowed loyalty but spoke of hurt at being left on backbench.
7.36 p.m. - Robert Arrigo, PN, and Carmelo Abela, PL, are in the Chamber.
7.33 p.m. - There are currently 30 of the 69 MPs in the Chamber.
7.28 p.m. - Edwin Vassallo speaks to Dr Debono. Louis Deguara, PN, is also in Chamber. Ms Cristina concludes her speech. Censu Galea takes over. He describes the motion as dry and unsubstantiated.
7.25 p.m. - Frederick Azzopardi is having a friendly conversation with Dr Debono.
7.24 p.m. - Chris Agius, Stefan Buontempo and Leo Brincat, PL, are in the Chamber.
7.23 p.m. - Dr Debono was due to start speaking at 8 p.m. but Censu Galea, Jason Azzopardi, Mario Galea, Karl Gouder and Edwin Vassallo are meant to speak before him. This may lead to an extension of the debate time.
7.21 p.m. - Dr Debono receives a call on his infamous mobile phone.
7.20 p.m. - David Agius jokes with Dr Debono and approaches him for a chat. Mario Galea takes his seat near Dr Debono.
7.19 p.m. - Dr Debono is writing notes. He looks concentrated. He is sitting behind Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando and next to Mario Galea, who is elsewhere at the moment. Owen Bonnici, PL, is also in Chamber.
7.16 p.m. - Franco Debono walks in. Rather than a book, today he is holding notes. He has not yet been approached by any of the MPs. He sits on the same seat as yesterday, the fourth from the door.
7.14 p.m. - Peter Micallef, PN, is in the Chamber.
7.12 p.m. - Mr Pullicino ends his speech and Minister Dolores Cristina takes over. She also criticises the Opposition for moving the motion of no confidence in the government for no valid reason.
7.10 p.m. - Like the other speakers yesterday and on Monday, Mr Pullicino makes no mention of Dr Debono, whose declarations against the government provoked the motion. There is still no sign of Dr Debono in the Chamber. Beppe Fenech Adami is now in Chamber.
7 p.m. - Opposition leader looks bored. He is yawning. Roderick Galdes, PL, is in the Chamber.
6.58 p.m. - The people in the Strangers Gallery include Manuel Delia, who was responsible for the public transport reform as the head of Transport Minister Austin Gatt secretariat. Dr Debono abstained on a Labour motion calling for Dr Gatt's resignation.
6.57 p.m. - Franco Debono is still not in Chamber. He is expected to speak at around 8 p.m. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando and Frans Agius, PN, and Marlene Farrugia, PL, are in Chamber.
6.55 p.m. - Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino starts his speech. He says there is no declared motivation behind the motion and criticises the Opposition leader's speech last Sunday. Edwin Vassallo, PN, is in the Chamber.
6.54 p.m. - No confidence motion debate about to start.
6.53 p.m. - MPs presence in Chamber looks much better than yesterday's. The Strangers Gallery is also much fuller. Minute silence being observed to remember Holocaust victims.
6.52 p.m. - George Vella and Chris Cardona, PL, are also in Chamber.
6.51 p.m. - Dr Farrugia concluded speech. Speaker Michael Frendo now speaking on Holocaust.
6.50 p.m. - Jean Pierre Farrugia, PN, is in the Chamber. Dr Farrugia is saying there is hatred in blogs and relating this to the Holocaust. Evarist Bartolo, PL, enters Chamber.
6.46 p.m. - Karmenu Vella, PL, enters Chamber. PL deputy leader Anglu Farrugia starts speaking about Holocaust.
6.44 p.m. - Dr Mifsud Bonnici still has the floor. Commemoration speeches were meant to take three minutes.
6.42 p.m. - Strangers Gallery is filling up.
6.38 p.m. - Silvio Parnis, PL, is in Chamber.
6.35 p.m. - Victims of Holocaust being commemorated. Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici speaking on Holocaust.
6.34 p.m. - Parliament is to commemorate Holocaust just before the debate starts.
6.33 p.m. - Mario Galea, PN, and Anthony Agius Decelis, PL, are in Chamber.
6.31 p.m. - Gino Cauchi and Alfred Sant, PL, are in Chamber. Debate to start shortly.
6.29 p.m. - Around 35 people in Strangers Gallery.
6.28 p.m. - Tonio Borg is in Chamber.
6.25 p.m. - Ninu Zammit and Mario de Marco are in Chamber. Around 25 people are in the Strangers Gallery - more than there have been in the past two days.
6.21 p.m. - Prime Minister looks relaxed. He shares a joke with Minister George Pullicino. Franco Debono, who is expected to speak at around 8 p.m. is not yet in the Chamber.
6.18 p.m. - Anthony Zammit, PL, is also in the Chamber. Prime Minister enters.
6.13 p.m. - Karl Gouder, PN, and Helena Dalli, PL, are also present.
6.09 p.m. - MPs in the Chamber so far: PL - Justyne Caruana, Joseph Muscat, Joe Mizzi, Anglu Farrugia, Noel Farrugia. PN - Tonio Fenech, Jason Azzopardi, Carm Mifsud Bonnici, George Pullicino, Frederick Azzopardi, Dolores Cristina, Joseph Cassar, Censu Galea, David Agius.
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Maria Debono
Jan 26th, 09:51
l-oppozizzjnoi tajba biex tqassam it twistees fil parlament. dawn irridu jiggvernaw. issa anki l-parlament iridu jirridikolaw
John Scerri
Jan 26th, 08:52
Ara vera parlament tal mickey mouse....l- oppozizjoni jressqu mozzjoni biex iwaqqghu il-gvern u ma jaghtu -l-ebda raguni ghal xiex.ressquha..L-oppozizjoni jinqdew b' Dr. Debono biex jaghmilihom xogholhom.
Ara vera oppozizjoni ta pappagalli , yes men , u opportunisti.
Barra minn hekk hafna minnhom kienu assenti waqt id dibattitu ...jekk tista ssejjahlu dibattitu ...ghax milli jidher ma kien dibattitu xejn .
Hela ta flus mit taxxi taghna .
Dan hu li il poplu malti ser jivvota ghalih ??? il- BAhh.
Joe E Galea
Jan 26th, 08:05
GOnziPN political style is similar to China Dictatorship style. The first step was not to let Debono's speech to be aired live. What is the next step?..perhaps dubbing his speech to elogise the government?
Dr. Debono has only one way now to keep his credibility, that is to vote in favour of the motion.
If he abstains, then he is just keeping the country hanging on a thread causing more harm to the country as the instability continues to be hanging like a guillotine over us all. He would still lose his credibility further, even on a personal professional level. Then who would trust a lawyer who says one thing and does another?
If he votes against the motion, then the air of instability will be virtually settled (as let's face it, this government has long time lost control of itself and the country) but then he would have lost every gram of credibility (politically, professionally, personally) and should be recovered in a mental hospital and charged for wasting the country's precious time. At this point the dirt in the government's house is exposed. Credibility of this government is at the bottom. The instability will still remain, though the government will deny it and tries to blame the opposition fro everything that goes wrong.
So Dr. Debono think very well which scenario you want. Only 1 way will give you credibility and dignity. The other 2 options are a suicide for you...unless you are given a hefty bonus to emigrate to Italy to start a new life there.
John Scerri
Jan 26th, 09:21
@ Mr.Galea .....'GOnziPN political style is similar to China Dictatorship style'....Go try talking as Dr.Debono talked in CHINA....Hallina trid ...mela insejt x'kien gara fi Pjazza Tienamen
Charles Caruana Carabez
Jan 26th, 07:57
They struggled so hard to make sure that they all have their say, but then some stayed away so as not to hear. No further comment.
Joe E Galea
Jan 26th, 07:47
"Edwin Vassallo and David Agius immediately go to speak to Dr Debono." - Edwin 'Touch Me' Vassallo again in action with his slurp slurp to Franco.
"Edwin Vassallo takes the floor and thanks Dr Debono for his speech and for taking to the House what he felt was unjust." - more slurp slurp for Franco with love from Touch Me.
Jokes apart, Franco Debono gave an endless list of government failures and the rest of the PN MP's still shout Success. These people should buy a dictionary and learn the word HONESTY.
Mr Joe Micallef
Jan 26th, 08:11
Where is the joke? Slurp Slurp maybe? Il how funny.....I mean your senseless comments, no no they are tragic
Alfred Falzon
Jan 26th, 06:48
Hon Debono, very good speech but I did not get your concluding remarks.
G Tonna
Jan 26th, 06:12
What a useless contribution. Confirms the notion why some are treated as nothing but a bicca deputat.
Francis Attard
Jan 26th, 02:05
Its your turn to be held hostage Dr Debono.
Lawrence Fenech
Jan 26th, 02:01
Wasalna fi stat li Malta giet f'idejn l-ispeaker li ma giex elett mill-elettorat.
John Azzopoardi
Jan 26th, 00:18
How could Malta be held hostage to one man...............He does not represent the people, but himself. Seriously. He is one egositic man. .
Joe Grech
Jan 25th, 22:14
''8.20 p.m. - Most of the government's front bench are not in Chamber (as Dr. Franco Debono makes his scintillating speech). The only cabinet members in the House are Dr Gonzi and Ministers Cristina and Azzopardi.''
So much for Democracy by the P.N. They are not ready to listen to reason because they are only keen on keeping the undemocratic status quo in our country. Shame.
Joseph Spiteri
Jan 25th, 22:10
Most of the Primadonnas in theatrical operas end up dead. I sincerely hope that this will not be the case (in political terms) with FD
H. Meilak
Jan 25th, 22:00
Li kieku kien backbencher mal-Partit Laburista jipprotesta kontra l-partit tieghu stess fis-sebghinjiet u tmeninijiet ga ghamluh kappuljat.
Mr Joe Micallef
Jan 25th, 21:57
I am particularly astonished how whilst In Davos today the best minds from all over the world are trying to figure out how to avoid or rather mitigate what looks like an imminent economic world depression, Dr.
Debono downscaled the likely severe repercussions in not more than two minutes. I understand he needed to make space for the subjects that he can contribute on but it showed lack of respect to basic intelligence.
Other than that he put forward sound arguments for reforms, which if tomorrow he proceeds to self-remove himself from the political scene, will be shelved for a very long time.
Peter Shaw
Jan 25th, 21:56
The exodus of the Jews from Egypt pales in comparison to this exodus !
Aaron Vella
Jan 25th, 21:41
Diskors vojt minn ghand Franco, xejn gdid. Ghax baghtejt, ghax jien hrigt b'din l-idea, ghax dak il-ministru hazin, ghax l-iehor imissu jirrezenja, ghax baghtejt u ghax baghtejt u ghax baghtejt. Possibli mhux jinduna kemm qed jaqa ghaz zufjett meta jghid li il-"policies" tieghu, huma iktar importanti mil-ekonomija? Sa fejn naf jien, jekk nitlef ix-xoghol nigi naqa u nqum juzawx casette il-Qorti jew juzawx ir-radio ghal-parlament. Beda jiprova jgib skuza li Malta sejra tajjeb ghax zaghjra. Ma nafx min fejn gabha ghax sa fejn naf jien, Joseph Muscat kien qalilna biex naghmlu bhal pajjiz iehor zghir, ic-Cipru qabel ma beda it-triq tan-nizla. Illum ura bic-car li qed jaghmel hekk mhux biex isalva lil Malta, li hafna laburisti qed jemmnu li qed jaghmel, imma ghax ma inghatax ministeru u kemm ghandu kontra certu nies fil-Partit. U billi qaghad jitkellem fuq dawn il-"policies", jekk se jwaqqa' l-gvern jahseb li il-Labour ha jaghmilhom, jew kienet skuza din? Min qed jeqred li tbaxxa is-sound irrangaw l-ispeakers ghax jien smajtu fuq ir-radio tal-Melita u lanqas qaghtha darba...
patrick cutajar
Jan 25th, 21:27
Kemm ghajtu li flimkien kollox possibli . imma jidher li min dan li slogan kollhu insew xi tfisser wahda mill kliem - FLIMKIEN . Iva flimkien ghax jekk ghandom kollox bhalissa tal pn l zgur mghandomx huwa li mhumiex FLIMKIEN
miriam mestre
Jan 25th, 21:23
only one simple solution - ELECTION
jidher bi car li dal partit jinsab imfarrak u ghandu tmexxija dghajfa u bla direzzjoni
Li tkun zghir u ghandek kilba biex turi xtaf u kif tmexxi mhix xi haga kerha anzi hija xi haga li lpajjiz ghandu bzonn . Bejn kilba biex titla fil poter u kilba biex tibqa fil poter huma zewg affarjiet differenti . Gonzi jidher li is siggu tal poter wahhlu mall warrani bi super glu
J Busuttil
Jan 25th, 21:23
If all Franco said is the reason to go for an election. Sorry Franco I have to say it you are the problem.
Keith Camilleri
Jan 25th, 21:17
Hahahahaha the guy speaks about today's technological advances and why the media were not let in to record the speech, but in the mean time, he is not aware of silent or vibrate on his mobile!!!
rueben pitre
Jan 25th, 21:13
@ J.Busuttil, Kieku il PL kien il partit arroganti bhal mhu bhalissa il PN...IVA kieku kont nghid l-istess haga. Ghax jien nemmen li il-pajjiz l-ewwel u mux il-partiti...U jien nemmen f'demokrazija. Ghandek kull dritt ma temminix.
Joseph Brincat
Jan 25th, 21:13
I HAVE HEARD Dr DEBONO ON THE RADIO AND I FEEL THAT
IT IS A PITY THAT HE ISN'T THE PRIME MINISTER FOR HE HAD
MADE >>> GONZI KLIKKA PN >> 0 <<
EDWARD CUSCHIERI
Jan 25th, 21:11
Il prim ministru missu jiehu dawn il punti kollha bi serjeta ghax fl ebda pajjiz fi dinja ma jista gvern jibqa jmexxi bdawn il porkeriji kollha ghaddejin min taht .
U ftakar ghaziez prim ministru li dawn in nies huma miexxija minnek .
Joseph Agius
Jan 25th, 21:10
Let's pray that this is your last speech in Parliament Franco.
Andrew Camilleri
Jan 25th, 21:05
Il-Partit li jiftahar li dahal pluralizmu fix-xandir...jaghmel froga ohra ilejla.....tal-misthija f'hiex waqa il-PN.
Paul Giordimaina
Jan 25th, 21:34
Anzi ma kelkomx ixxandru minn barra minn Malta
EDWARD CUSCHIERI
Jan 25th, 21:04
issa anke li speaker qed jipprova jaqtalghu diskorsu . din mhux demokrazija .
mhux ahjar tahlluh jitkellem ha nkunu nafu il fatti ghax jidher li hawn min qed jahbi
Oliver Grech
Jan 25th, 21:20
Imissek tisthi. L- ewwel net dik hija procedura tal- parlament li kulhadd ikollu hinu, jekk ma tafx titkellimx. Secondly i don't need to reply to you ghax waqajt ghac- cajt wahdek meta fil verita David Agius ta estenzjoni lil Franco Debono. So irtira dak li ghedt jekk int ragel.
Mr Ernest Vella
Jan 25th, 22:15
tghallem ghix - skadilu l-hin u l-ispeaker talab ghal extention...mohli sihbi
mary jane aquilina
Jan 25th, 20:58
Paroli qed jghid Dr debono paroli li dawn il-gimghatejn qazzez id-dinja jghid l-istess affarijiet. Xejn gdid,,, seta qalu fil-parlament mhux fuq il-media.
Randall Cassar
Jan 25th, 21:45
Mhux Dr Gonzi ried itawwalha l-bicca jahasra. Ried jirbah il-hin biex minalih jikkonvincuh. Issa jekk kwistjoni li suppost inqatat bhal- llum gimgha ttawlet daqshekk ghal-iskopijiet politici tal-gvern, mhux bilfors jirrepeti l-istess affarijiet irid Dr Debono.
Joe E Galea
Jan 26th, 07:52
Il-veirta' toffendi jew twegga'.
Zagroma Savrene
Jan 25th, 20:56
I am here wearing my suit complete with a matching tie, and I am shaking uncontrollably with rage at parliament secretary Galea's behavior towards Dr Debono. It could have been an important phone call, such as his mother calling him to tell him his 10th university degree arrived by post, and he takes the liberty to handle other people's mobile phone. ATROCIOUS behavior that should NOT be tolerated in a democratic country!!!
rueben pitre
Jan 25th, 20:50
@ J.Busuttil, Nahseb wera li ghandu guts bizejjed biex jilhaq ministru kieku. Nemmen li jkun tajjeb kieku jilhaq ministru..nahseb kieku jaghmel hafna iktar gid minn certi ministri li ghandna bhalissa...ministri li fallew u ghadom hemm.
J Busuttil
Jan 25th, 21:06
Rueben if he was one of you would you say the same????? You will be telling me yes today.
rueben pitre
Jan 25th, 20:41
Mhux li tparla imma li tati kasi...u mhux li tghid li ghandi dritt nitkellem imbaghad jibdew l-attakki u it-tghajjir!
J Busuttil
Jan 25th, 20:45
Mhux li tparla imma li tati kasi.... imma at the back of my mind you make me a minister.
C. Sammut
Jan 25th, 20:38
Live audio streaming from Parliament seems to be down.
raymond scicluna
Jan 25th, 20:38
no i don t need to watch you!! am really fed up that you are in the limelight every single day since late december so please mince your words and make your utmost of your time cause they will be the last of your political career so empty your bowels and so be it. Narak jonqos int minn tahseb li int!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joseph Borg
Jan 25th, 20:38
Thanks!
Joseph Borg
Jan 25th, 20:31
It would be nice to get more information about dr debono's words and not on his mobile phone. We all know that it is ringing all the time.
peter Bongailas
Jan 25th, 20:29
dal prim ministru tant hu demokratiku li lanqas ixxandar is seduta ma ried . Ma naghtix tort ghax dis sitwazzjoni tal misthija .
joseph francalanza
Jan 25th, 20:16
hahahahahahah u franco qal lil mario tibqax tghid cucati !! Mela hawn xi kazin ta te !!
J Busuttil
Jan 25th, 20:39
Mela qatt ma smajtu lill Debono Grech siehbi francalanza
Kleaven Maniscalco
Jan 25th, 22:24
@J. Busuttill
Debono Grech ma jghidx cucati. Debono Grech huwa xempju haj u miexi tas-salvagizmu u nuqqas ta dicenza u diplomazija.
Mark Anthony Fenech
Jan 25th, 20:16
Keep calm and eat twistees :p
Zagroma Savrene
Jan 25th, 20:15
A packet of twistees?!?!?! HOW PREPOSTEROUS!! This is an extremely serious meeting and should NOT be taken so lightly!!! I demand the offender to be immediately removed for such obscene behavior and his snack confiscated.
Wally Vella-Zarb
Jan 25th, 20:33
It is not preposterous at all!
If it were really a serious meeting and not a farce he would have brought popcorn... ;-)
Bernard Pollacco
Jan 25th, 20:35
calm down mr.Savrene :|
Alfred Falzon
Jan 25th, 20:14
The HOn Jazon Azzopardi gave us a whirl wind speech. He spoke so fast that we understood absolutely nothing.
Joseph Borg
Jan 25th, 20:12
Ara veru maghniex biex niftahru bid demokrazija li ghadna.
Anke transmizzjoni diretta min fuq is site inqattet halli hadd ma jista
jisma lill awtur jitkellem.
Viva il liberta
Joseph Borg
Jan 25th, 20:11
No matter what happens today and tomorrow, this is a major blow for the pn government. It is pure nonsense that a null vote from dr debono equates to a loss of some sort for pl. The government has serious problems and this is an effect of these problems. In the best case we have lost time and some money in boosting projects so that they can meet an election. Pl has done what an opposition should do, it sensed an unstable government and tested. What will happen in the coming weeks if jpo and saliba continue to argue or other members of this government start to show their unhappiness. This is not right for us.
Zagroma Savrene
Jan 25th, 20:08
I personally think Lawrence Gonzi and Joseph Muscat should both be joint in government and rule the country together hand in hand. That way, peace will be achieved and everyone will live happily ever after. I am very good at solving problems.
rueben pitre
Jan 25th, 20:02
Jason looks that he is a proffesional lier . First yesterday he lied on bondiplus and now he is telling us ( totally wrong ) how they voted in the 1998 saga . They are stating that they wanted to help the government at that time and they didnt even try to seal their seats back .
And once again another one against Jospeh Muscat . UHUHU il mozzjoni kontra il gvern not against Joseph . Another going out of subject . Allahares kelkom composition ghax kollha ma tghaddux ghax kollha out of subject
Zagroma Savrene
Jan 25th, 20:10
You won't pass either, you can't spell and you mix Maltese with English. Out of language.
J Busuttil
Jan 25th, 20:11
Yes its on record that they wanted to help the government at that time get your facts right even if you do not agree.
David Scicluna
Jan 25th, 22:03
Din min fejn gibtha Busuttil....iddahhakx!
Bernard Pollacco
Jan 25th, 19:51
no jokes allowed it seems =|
Zagroma Savrene
Jan 25th, 20:11
This is very serious business and should not be taken lightly. Please ensure appropriate casual attire is worn if you're following this blog, regardless of where you are.
John Schembri
Jan 25th, 19:51
Franco Debono knows very well that the people voted for him to support GonziPN and not bring down GonziPN. He has every right to criticize the government but he has no right to bring it down.
If he votes against his voters’ will they would feel betrayed.Labour supporters would willingly support him to push Gonzi out of their way, the next day they will forget about him and gather round their smiling leader Joseph Muscat.
Like everybody he will experience the natural and logical consequences of his actions.
charles flask
Jan 25th, 19:48
Isma mario xinhu jghidilna . Kemm huma maqghudin u kemm huma demokratici . Issa bdew johorgu ilsinom u qed jilaghqu il franco . HAHAHA kemm hu ta dahk . Qd jghid lil franco li ghadu wiehed mnnhom . Mela nesa li irrezenja mill partit ? Mela nesa kemm qallu hdura kontrih ? mla nesa kemm batugh l hemm u l hawn >? Mario ma tmurx issaqqi il frawli ta Censu Galea
Francis Attard
Jan 25th, 19:42
U biex zgur "Il-baqra tinbiegh kollha" ghaziz haddiem, ahna hadna 500 Euro fil-gimgha zieda biex nixtru l-laham taghha, u lilek tghajnik 1 Euro u 16 il-centezmu halli jkollok biss biex tixtri l-ghadam.
Dr Lawrence Gonzi
Clifford Grech
Jan 25th, 19:38
Why don't the MPs attend ??? What is the reason behind their absence ? Too "busy" ?
John Schembri
Jan 25th, 20:01
As Dolores Cristina said , the PL candidates are too busy on more important things doing home visits ,thanks to Franco they are on election mode.
Alfred Falzon
Jan 25th, 19:37
Dr Franco Debono
Don't let vain politics dazzle you.
You know by now who wishes you well and can distinguish between those who are after power, power absolute and those who put the people's welfare before all other considerations.
The Nation and the people must come before the Party, and that applies to ALL political factions irrespective of their ideology.
Do what you think is in the best interest of our country without fear or favour.
Do what you feel is righteous, always bearing in mind that democracy has another merit.
It allows criticism, and if there is no public criticism there are bound to be hushed-up scandals!
That's why most Maltese believe today in the Private Member who makes himself a nuisance to the detriment of those who think they can ride rough shod over them!
Now it's up to you!
But before taking any decision, if any, do make it a point to weigh the pros and cons of what can transpire as a result.
Alfred A. Falzon
charles flask
Jan 25th, 19:35
Mela tal gvern qed imaqdru il Joseph ghax nhar il hadd qaghad jghidilna fuq tfulitu umbad iqum Censu u qed jghidilna listorja tal frawli ta meta kien zghir
U ovjament speech shih bhall ta qablu imaqdru il joseph muscat . Nahseb insew li dil mozzjoni hija kontra il gvern sakemm tal pn mhux ga qed jimaginaw li joseph qieghed fil gvern u minalijom li l mozzjoni hija kontra joseph .
Malcolm Pace
Jan 25th, 19:30
Ejja fl ahhar qam wiehed sura . Censu Galea . Ghalinqas irrejalizza li dal gvern hlief jaghzaq ma jafx ghax hlief fuq il hurrieq u fuq il frawli mhux ikellimna u ammetta li kien biedwi .
Antoine Vella
Jan 25th, 19:36
Malcolm Pace: ".. .ammetta li kien biedwi (sic)" Għaliex? Fiha xi ħtija x'tammetti li tkun bidwi?
raymond scicluna
Jan 25th, 20:45
iva bidwi imma sar perit ghala jaqaw ghandek xi Phd int ghax fil kaz ikteb Dr pl
Hosni Tin Nik
Jan 25th, 19:16
My taxes are going to these people that do not bother to tun up for debates ! 35 out of 65 is nearly 50%. Maybe I should only send in 50% of my taxes !
Zagroma Savrene
Jan 25th, 20:13
Don't be so naive. You pay taxes for your children to have a table and a chair in good condition for a week or so to sit and work on at school, until it's accidently broken and needs to be replaced.
Joe Grech
Jan 25th, 19:06
@ Franco Debono - People are hopeful you will do what your conscience dictates. You've shown that you have the welfare of the common people very much to heart. Put National before Party Interests!
The easy, undemocratic and abusive way our P.M. has with citizen money - giving it out to ex-Ministers and grumbling Backbenchers has to stop and all money thus given out returned. People are scandalised at the serious mistakes committed by this administration.
David Triganza
Jan 25th, 19:06
Il-xoghol, il-business u l-ekonomija huma kollha weqfin.
Il-poplu qied jistenna lill-PM jwaqqaf l-incertezza.
J Busuttil
Jan 25th, 19:28
@ David Triganza
Tkun taf meta Il-xoghol, il-business u l-ekonomija huma kollha weqfin bil PL fil-gvern, il-kbir ghadu gej. Bhall dan iz-zmien il-business ikun wieqaf. ix-xoghol ghadu normali. u fiex tifem f'ekonomija.
John Schembri
Jan 25th, 20:05
Zgur li m’ghextx iz-zmien ta’ Mintoff u Alfred Sant , is-self employed granet il-bahar fis-sajf kienu jmorru fi zmien Alfred Sant fl-1997, ghax ma’ kellomx xoghol.
Neil Johnsen
Jan 25th, 19:06
temmen min qed ikellimna u jriedna ntuh il fiducja - GOERGE PULLICINO . Dan neghsa li tas sliema gaba qisha il bronx ? Dan jaf li hlief bini f odz ma ghamilx ? Dan jaf li qered il kampanja kemm felah ? Dan jaf li qazzez il malta blinkompetenza tieghu ?
Dan jaf jisthi !! Mhux fiducja intuh imma lesson fuq il mod kif timmanigja . GO HOME GORG !!
raymond scicluna
Jan 25th, 19:14
Int vera ma tafx tisthi mela Pjazza San Gorg, Pjazza Santu Wistin Rabat,Extension ta Kennedy Grove, Il Park ta Ta Qali, Il Gnien Bonello De Puis Sliema plus ghexieren ta progetti li qed issimijom wiehed wiehed. Nahseb kellu bzonn Lorry Sant u shabu ghamlu daqshekk progetti mhux f erbgha snin lanqas f sittax il sena u fadal hafna aktar imma issa nhallu lil Joseph jaqta z zigarella jekk il poplu irrid hekk!!
Antoine Vella
Jan 25th, 19:38
Lorry Sant u sħab għamlu proġetti kieku - proġetti tagħhom personali li ħallewlhom mijiet ta' eluf ta' liri fil-but, imma.
GEORGE CUTAJAR
Jan 25th, 19:03
Has he not said and done enough in these past weeks? He has ruined Christmas, the New Year and he still has more to say. Will he be reading out in public the threatening sms's and e-mails he sent to the PM, the PN Secretary General and his colleagues? Will he tell us he has had enough and will be jetting off to Tibet or Tuscany? The people want to hear new statements coming from Debono.
We do not want to hear about 'kemm bata', 'kemm jien energetiku', ' kemm ghandi x'noffri', 'kemm m'inix apprezzat'.
raymond scicluna
Jan 25th, 19:18
I am sure he will give his best of his incredible envy and jealousy against Dr Gatt, Dr Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici, David Agius, the Prime Minister and many other goverment entities like the PBS and the court laws. HE is unique so rather than following suit of his fellow parliament members, he wants to stupify us with something different. Hdura, ghira and negativity at its best. Today it will be the proof that he was sitting on the wrong side of the House.
GEORGE CUTAJAR
Jan 25th, 19:35
As far as I know Buddha never preached envy and jealousy. Hope Debono's conversion will have some effect on his performance tonight.
Joe Grech
Jan 25th, 19:01
Listening to George Pullicino speaking on FM 106.6. He's promised to stop the robbery of Maltese potable water immediately and to remove all the fish farms which are polluting our sea. He's organising a walk at his pet project - the reinventing of Maghtab!
He's the chap who pushed the building in ODZ - Out of Development Zones areas. And he had said that this scandalous rape of our environment was a SOCIAL ISSUE.
Mauro Piscopo
Jan 25th, 19:00
Kemm kienu busy il hadd tal pn ghax kollha kien mohhom biex joqoghdu jisimghu li speech tal eghluq tal konferenza . Meta tkunu imwerwra ma ntikomx tort toqoghdu tismghu il min jista jallimkom . U issa il gdida hi li qed titmejlu b joseph ghax semma il passat tieghu . Ara intom il passat taghkom ma semmuhx ghax ghandkom passat mahmug u tal misthija .
U min jitkellem fuqha - George li fil passat tieghu iktar kien mohhu biex jiekol milli biex jahdem .
Drocan Lubstuit
Jan 25th, 18:57
What is it that the Jewish holocaust is remembered above all other atrocities which occurred throughout world history? How far is the Jewish cause going to be marketed to have them be so victimised in the eyes of the rest of the world?
Have we forgotten the Armenians under the Turks? the Algerians under the French? The Tutsis in Rwanda? The millions of Russians under Stalin? Catholics in Egypt and Pakistan? Cambodians under the Khmer Rouge? and finally, the Palestinians and their ever-shrinking land?
Who is commemorating the lives lost in the above instances? It should be the case where either all losses are remembered or none at all. There is no life or nation above others and all people should be treated equal in their losses or achievements.
M. Grech
Jan 25th, 18:55
Over the years we have seen events, related to the PN, unfolding and the administration/leadership of the PN always, at the end, manage to persuade anyone into doing (or not doing) anything. The PN are so good at this that to maintain one's position to the end would practically be impossible, be it the common disgruntled voter at election time or anyone else.
In the running of a country things can go wrong and mistakes can be made. We are all human. However, the biggest mistake would be to let such wrong doings to continue in time. Whoever has the knowledge, means, authority and opportunity also has the obligation to correct things asap or would be placing himself as part of that incorrect set-up which he opposes and has been entrusted to prevent.
We all have to admit that in these last few weeks we have been living Maltese history in the making. What has been said can never be taken back since it has been closely documented. For a long time, all this will also stay in people's minds and the main actors will eventually have to decide on what side of history they want to be remembered. Common citizens just watch, listen and note the resultant actions at the end of this saga. At this point in time we ask what will be the best long term solution for our beloved Nation.
Alfred Falzon
Jan 25th, 18:55
Kuragg Franco, We admire your courage and tenacity.
A Cardona
Jan 25th, 18:53
Ara fiex jinhlew il-flus! Kummiedja totali..... Musical go Londra jonqos isir.
Rachel Falzon
Jan 25th, 18:50
Flok nitkellmu fuq lolokawst ahjar nitkellmu fuq dak li qed jeqred il dan il pajjiz .
Dawn jafu li hawn min jixtieq ikompli imexxi ir rota ghax hlief stagnar mghandniex . Dawn xjimpurtom ta naha tal gvern . Dawn laqwa li hadu il 500 fil gimgha u joqodu jpapuha .
Marylyn Law
Jan 25th, 18:46
All i heard till now is nonsense and talking re democracy . Kif ma jisthux in naha tal gvern jaghtuna lezzjoni ffuq id demokrazija meta il priministru stess ivvota kontra ir rieda tal poplu fuq il kaz ta divorzju !! Dik demokrazija pura
cesco di luigi
Jan 25th, 18:45
This sound like some bizarre play with the actors walking in and out of the scene at will a sort of avant garde play if you like. The most amazing part is that these are people who get paid quite well for these brief stage appearances. And of course come their time they will all be scolding us and telling us how we are harming the economy and bringing down the GDP if we dare get to work a bit late or not put in our full 8 hours. BIRDS OF A FEATHER I say!!!!
Francis Attard
Jan 25th, 18:41
U jiena qieghed hawn nixrob il-kafe` u nistenna l-farsa tibda.
Mr Ernest Vella
Jan 25th, 18:39
all ears but the Parlament Radio on the Parlament website is not working. Pls check and maybe ask for reasons.
John Borg
Jan 25th, 18:35
X'interess. ghax ma tghidulniex x'kien libsin tal-lejber. Bil-Blu kienu llum ukoll?