Nationalist MP Franco Debono said this morning that he would 'definitely not vote against' the censure/no confidence motion against Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici moved by the Opposition.

"I will not vote with the government" he stressed.

However he did not say whether he would vote in favour of the opposition motion or abstain.

The vote is due at 7.30 p.m. Some sources said they expect Dr Debono to abstain.

Dr Debono had repeatedly criticised the minister's handling of his ministry, which up to last year also included justice, but he has also complained bitterly that his own motion on justice and home affairs has not been put on the agenda of the House by the government. His motion was presented a month before Labour's.

In comments to timesofmalta.com when the Opposition's motion was moved in December, Dr Debono had said he would support the government when the Opposition motion was debated.

"I will support the Prime Minister, who has already declared that shortcomings in the justice sector will be addressed, Dr Debono said.

However this morning he said that "a week is a long time in politics." Many things had changed he said, including the situation in the prisons and the fact that his own motion was not debated.

The minister would have to step down if the no-confidence motion is approved but will survive if Dr Debono abstains.

The minister this morning announced he was stepping down as Leader of the House.

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