Debono attacks Borg on motion

Nationalist MP Franco Debono lashed out at the government yesterday when it objected to a bid by the opposition to amend a motion censuring Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici to call for his resignation.

There should be no difference between censure and resignation

Opposition home affairs spokesman Michael Falzon moved his amendment at the end of a 150-minute long speech in the first of nine sittings allocated to the debate.

But Deputy Prime Minister Tonio Borg objected and demanded a ruling by the Speaker, on grounds that such an amendment could not be accepted because it changed the nature of the motion.

Angry Dr Debono shouted that, in normal parliaments, a motion of censure was so serious for public office holders who respected their office and themselves that there would be no difference between censure and resignation.

He criticised Dr Borg and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi on the “shameful way” Parliament had been run. Acting Speaker Ċensu Galea ruled he would not accept comments other than on the amendment: “Honourable Debono, you are not the be all and end all of this House.”

But Dr Debono said: “I will continue even if you interrupt me, Mr Speaker... This Parliament has been shamefully run by you (Dr Borg) and the man beside you (Dr Gonzi). It’s shameful that democracy has been tainted in this manner while €80 million is spent on a new Parliament building.”

Mr Galea warned he would suspend Dr Debono from the House. He said he would rule on whether the amendment could be accepted in another sitting. The debate continues this evening.