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Debono confirms 'yes' vote tonight

Nationalist MP Franco Debono confirmed this morning that he will be voting with the government in the confidence vote moved by the prime minister.

"I will vote in favour" he told timesofmalta.com

The confidence vote was called on Wednesday after Dr Debono voted with the opposition in a no-confidence motion in Home Affairs Carm Mifsud Bonnici, forcing his resignation.

Dr Debono had on Wednesday evening immediately declared that he would not vote against the government in the confidence vote and the censure motion against Richard Cachia Caruana, Malta's representative to the EU.

Dr Gonzi yesterday publicly demanded a clear vote of confidence, indicating that he may call a general election.

In comments this morning, Opposition leader Joseph Muscat said: "Today's vote is a foregone conclusion in government's favour. From now on we will hold the prime minister accountable to his new benchmark, a clear vote with no abstentions."

In his comments this morning, Dr Debono also reacted to remarks made by a number of government MPs See http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120603/local/How-should-the-party-deal-with-Dr-Debono-.422436 ). He said he wished to thank Tourism Minister Mario de Marco, whip David Agius and MPs Francis Zammit Dimech and Edwin Vassallo for the conciliatory tone of their statements.

He noted how Dr Zammit Dimech had said that Wednesday's events could have been avoided had the government agreed to debate his (Dr Debono's) motion on justice and home affairs before the opposition's motion.

Referring to Dr de Marco, Dr Debono said his remarks were significant as he and his family were synonymous with the sectors of justice and home affairs.

He also noted that Edwin Vassallo, despite comments he made in parliament, had been conciliatory in other remarks yesterday showing that 'bridges can be burnt and rebuilt'.

But Dr Debono said that remarks by Charlo' Bonnici led him to doubt whether he was really aware of what was happening in justice and home affairs. 'He should explain his expertise,' he said.

Dr Debono said his criticism had been on the merits because, as a criminal lawyer, he knew exactly what was going on. He, however, wondered if Mr Bonnici's remarks stemmed from the fact that he (Dr Debono) had criticised the power station extension, where Mr Bonnici's employer, Nazzareno Vassallo, was a sub-contractor.

As regards Mr Bonnici's team spirit, Dr Debono recalled that Mr Bonnici was an assistant to then minister Louis Galea and left the job some weeks before the last election to pursue his own electoral campaign, possibly being Dr Galea's biggest handicap before the last election. He also noted that Mr Bonnici had been given various opportunities by the government over the years, while he was not, even though, Dr Debono added, he was elected with twice Mr Bonnici's votes, and he made it from a difficult district.

As for his voting intentions today, Dr Debono said he had always been consistent that someone had to shoulder responsibility for mistakes justice and home affairs and although he had, since January, received offers to contribute to government, this accountability had to come first. From Day One I had been insisting for responsibilities to be shouldered and now something has happened in this context. In the past month I was offered opportunities to contribute more but I always refused, and insisted that what was of utmost importance was the shouldering of responsibility".

BONNICI REACTS

In a reply, Charlo Bonnici said he would not be threatened into silence by such regurgitated allegations. "Aren't we living in a democracy where everyone is entitled to an opinion?" he asked.

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Charles Muscat

Jun 5th 2012, 01:07

Because of labor supporter's attitude and arrogance PN will win again my friend even if Muscat will do better.

Anthony Scicluna

Jun 4th 2012, 17:47

I guess you are also living in another world, dear Mr Williams. You seem to have forgotten the thuggery of the Malta Labour Party, the oppression against fundamental human rights of peaceful assembly, different political opinions and education in one's school of choice. Perhaps you have forgotten the way Nationalist supporters were beaten or illegally thrown in jail. Perhaps you have forgotten the way average kids could not go to private schools, how the Maltese were not allowed their freedom of expression and the trash that used to line grocery shops. Or where you in another country at the time? America perhaps? The land of the free. I think change IS needed. However, when I see that the politicians who oppressed the Maltese are still among the front line within the ranks of the Malta Labour Party, I shudder and I get afraid that the old ways come back.

Richard Caruana

Jun 4th 2012, 18:14

What instability Mr Williams, queues of workers on the dole? People begging in the streets? Half our youngsters looking for a job like in Spain? Tourism on the way down? The end of free education and medical treatment? Disruption of essential services? Pensioners having to take a cut in their pension?


Anyone on these comment pages that chooses to mouth the 'great leader's slogan of GonziPN with every other sentence needs a reality check, like the 'great leader' himself.

VINCENT WILLIAMS

Jun 4th 2012, 22:14

@Anthony Scicluna.

When during the Labour Governments Labour supporters used to mention the hardships that every labour supporter and his family went through under PN Governemnts. The reply from the PN supporters was "I am living now not then."

I lived under PN Governments in the 1960's and under PL Governments as well. Both administrations had their good times and their wrong doings. But one thing I am sure of. That during the 1960's EVERY SINGLE LABOUR SUPPORTER suffered for years and years all kind of anti democratic actions.

Under Labour Administrations there where many Nationalists supporters who suffered injustices. But not EVERY SINGLE PN SUPPORTER suffered injustices as EVERY PL SUPPORTER did. And that is a great differnce.

BY THE WAY I CONDEMN EVERY SINGLE INJUSTICE BY ANY GOVERNMENT.

VINCENT WILLIAMS

Jun 4th 2012, 22:38

@ Richard Caruana.

What instability...the precarious work with the minimum wage. Workers forced to work as self employed so that their employer will pay less National Stamp Insurance while workers has to pay more Stamps.

People begging in the streets...have'nt you met no one begging or did not heard someone states that beggars knock his door? The Day before yesterday an old lady stopped me begging money in Paola. On Saturday, 1st October 2011, in the morning I was passing through Republic Street in Valletta and surprisingly saw two nuns in white dress begging with scoops. After I arrived home I put a note in my diary. Telling the truth since then I did not see any more nuns begging. Surely the Public Authorities had a word with other authortiies. Such nuns I remember seeing begging at the old City Gate in Valletta durning the 1960's under PN Administrations.

Many pensioners had to go to work again against their wish. As their pension is so low that they cannot cope with the cost of living. According to the European Union the poverty in Malta is increasing year after year. The Caritas Report about poverty confirms what the Europena Union has been claiming for the last years.

According to the EU four out of ten students are leaving schools at the age of 16 without any ability to continue studying. On average the Maltese are the most less paid in the EU. When a public holiday comes on a week day the workers get nothing because Gonzi Partit Negattiv took away such holiday.

Joe Tabone

Jun 4th 2012, 16:34

Which 'klikka' Victor?

Andy Farrugia

Jun 4th 2012, 16:13

Il- "variante" ghal kulhadd idur, kulhadd jigifieri min jikritika l-attegjamenti megalomanici tieghu, li jahseb li hu xi bozza tal-elf ta' barra min hawn. Ukoll ghal bloggers bhal Victor Calleja u nies komuni bhali dar, billi jirrispondi bl-aktar mod baxx u insensittiv il-kummenti taghna. dan il-karattru hu perikoluz ferm ghad-demokrazija.

Mr Andrew Camilleri

Jun 4th 2012, 16:55

Andy, probabbli Dr Debono irrispondik bl-istess ton (baxx u insensittiv) li inti uzajt mieghu. Min jobzoq fl-ajru .......

Andy Farrugia

Jun 4th 2012, 18:14

@ Mr Andrew Camilleri

Wow! I'm impressed Mr Camilleri! Do you know that in democracies with which I feel most comfortable MPs are supposed to abide by the highest possible standards when it comes to interacting with "peons" or ordinary citizens like me? Do you quite understand that ,despite your speculations and surmising concerning my tone, MPs are required to hold their aplomb and decorum in all situations, but especially when it comes to using language ("Hu go fik")? I doubt it!

victor bonello

Jun 4th 2012, 17:09

so much for freedom of speech...lol

J Pisani

Jun 4th 2012, 16:12

Another elf I think ! All that you are trying to do is bother FD and maybe...I say maybe make him change his mind. Iqfu tippruvaw tiehdu xi haga minnha din. For goodness sake leave the guy alone and stop trying to use him further ! Tghamlu min kollox ha tiehdu il-poter ! The election will finally come and stop shooting at your feet all the time ! Do you think the Maltese are daft ? They are already judging you. All you have to do is see the polls .

Richard Caruana

Jun 4th 2012, 18:23

Agreed, and then you only have to elect an amateur such as JM to sort it out!

Joe Tabone

Jun 4th 2012, 15:39

James, further down I explained who is calling the shots and it is Dear Joseph who is following!

Joe Tabone

Jun 4th 2012, 15:44

J Brincat, I am certainly not confusing names.
Public Transport, Justice and RCC - Franco mentions in Parliament and AFTER Dear Joseph tables a motion.
Trivial my Dear J Brincat, Franco leads and his classmate follows!

Richard Caruana

Jun 4th 2012, 18:24

@J Brincat

Haven't you read Lino Spiteri's article yesterday? I suggest you do to find out who is attached in Debono's strings

Joe Tabone

Jun 4th 2012, 15:21

@ J Brincat
NO, i did not mean what you are trying to imply - I repeat 'ELECTED BY POPULAR VOTE' something the PL failed to do (not even by a dozen votes).
Let democracy take its course, if its June 2013 instead of March 2013, Dear Joseph will have even more time to divulge his Electoral Programme (hopefully it would be ready by then).

Andrew Francalanza

Jun 4th 2012, 15:41

Dr Gonzi Was Elected Purely By all OF Malta even if by the thinnest of whiskers ! At least not like Labour in 1981

Richard Caruana

Jun 4th 2012, 18:26

What cheek J. Brincat, from the party that hung on to power when it had been so clearly voted out, and not by a wisker.

Joe Tabone

Jun 4th 2012, 14:58

Dear James,
Dr Franco Debono may not be a Minister but he seems to be leading Dear Joseph.
FD mentions Public Transport, PL table a motion against Dr Gatt
FD mentions RCC, PL table a motion against him (NOT the Minister responsible)
FD present a Private Members bill on Justice reforms, PL table a motion against CMB (in this case the Minister)
It seems that besides pushing for the mentioned reforms, Franco Debono is also the main catalyst for Labour's motions. He seems to be leading his classmate!

Richard Caruana

Jun 4th 2012, 18:29

JM had better look out in case FD tables a motion of no confidence and calls for the resignation of Joseph Muscat

A Caruana

Jun 5th 2012, 15:05

Franco is only against the oligarchy when it does not involve himself, me, myself and i are his daily maxims in life......

Joe Tabone

Jun 4th 2012, 14:50

@J Brincat,
You seem to be in a terrible rush, but you the PM wrong!
PM is for Prime Minister GONZI, elected by popular vote in the 2008 election with a mandate to govern till March 2013.
Let democracy take its course, let the people decide. AT least the electorate will have more time to appreciate Dear Joseph!

GEORGE CUTAJAR

Jun 4th 2012, 15:38

In case the Mayan prophecy is going to go through than it would seem that Dr. Gonzi would end up as the last PM of the Republic of Malta so I suggest that your Joseph takes up the offer to be PM for a day and that way at least he would have become the youngest Maltese prime minister at least for one day !!!!!!!!

GEORGE CUTAJAR

Jun 4th 2012, 15:43

Joe Brincat - I surely hope that DR. Gonzi was the PM who was not able to keep his whole team ABROAD. This is a very obvious statement. As for the SMS' believe me it is a cheaper way of communicating!!!!

Joseph Cauchi Senior

Jun 4th 2012, 15:29

@ Frank Zammit,

What happened in 1998 to Alfred Sant, wasn’t it because is-Salvatur/it-Traditur wanted this?

JC.

Frank Zammit

Jun 4th 2012, 15:03

Apologists? LOL the PN should apologize for not honoring its commitments and for using its remaining time in office to, once more, use the public funds to purchase the election. Just one more thing-do you honestly think that we lose any sleep over what the purposely employed PN bloggers say about the PL? If you do; think again amigo.

GO to the people if you dare.

Joe Tabone

Jun 4th 2012, 14:34

"A "YES" vote from Franco Debono will get Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici BACK as a Minister !"
Jo, is this another PL gimmick?!?

G Mangion

Jun 4th 2012, 17:58

@ Jo Meli:

You are being silly on f b, Do you you think you can Impress here >................!

G. Mangion.

Alfred Vassallo

Jun 4th 2012, 14:08

Sour grapes.

Alfred Vassallo

Jun 4th 2012, 14:15

I think it's the pn who have been and still will be in a frenzy because they will never ever know how Debono will vote in the coming months especially now that he has absolutely nothing to loose because everybody knows that the pn will do their utmost to get rid of him.

Martin Cole

Jun 4th 2012, 14:35

@Alfred Vassallo

Actually it's the people will want to get rid of Dr Debono and his one man show.

Edward Curmi

Jun 4th 2012, 13:21

Ghaziz sur privitera la EU qalet hekk u Jm jitla fil gvern jkollha jghamilha hu ukoll!

Xorta imma tikkumenta kontra dak iz zmien?? Ma Nahsibx!

Angus Black

Jun 4th 2012, 14:08

Sur Privitera, ir-riforma tal-penzjonijiet ila fuq l-agenda tal-PN, ferm qabel ma l-UE fethet halqha, imma il-PL ma kienx interessat li jiehu parti f'diskussjonijiet dwar dan is-suggett importanti. Issa nibdew nisimghu minghand Joseph li il-gvern mhux qed jikkonsulta ma l-Oppozizzjoni! Il-veru tal-biki.
Ghax ma tghidx li buzzieqa ohra se tinfaqa f'wicc Joseph ghal habta tad-disgha tal-lejla u li l-Partit Laburista jaghmel tajjeb li jirtira l-mozzjoni kontra RCC u forsi ma jkomplix jaqa ghac-cajt?

Kemm tifilhu tkunu redikoli?

scott brown

Jun 4th 2012, 14:52

mr. privitera

your joseph yesterday said he did not agree with increasing the pensionable age. well that is the easy part. everybody can say that. the probelm is that your joseph is aspiring to become prime minister, so it is very irresponsible of him to stop short of telling us HOW he is going to maintain the present position, or better still, reduce it to 60 as his socialist french counterpart did. it is one thing promising things. but a whole more difficult to deliver what you promise. will your joseph get us out of europe to keep his promise or isn't it yet a promise.

Giovanni Rizzo

Jun 4th 2012, 17:29

Dr.Debono gab il-parlament Zugraga bil-PN jitolbu tibna ha jsalva.
Penzjonijiet? Dak issa jkollna l-immigranti jahdmu ghalina,ihallsu l-bolol ghalina u tara kif kollox jigi ghan normal.
Milli jidher Sur Privitera,Dr.Joseph Muscat diga qieghed xewka f'dahar hafna,wiehed jista jara mil-kummenti kull darba li tikteb favur il-PL.

E Gatt

Jun 4th 2012, 13:29

What do you expect from someone who thinks that politics is some kind of pantomime at the theatre?

Remember that Joseph Muscat was one of the most convinced opponents of the EU, now he tries to come across as Mr Europe.

There is something fake and plastic in Labour’s message.

Arsenio Ellul

Jun 4th 2012, 13:35

X'ghandu x'jaqsam mal-vot ta llum? Nahseb inti qed tghix f'dinja blu. Missek qrajt daqsxejn it-titlu ta din l-ahbar qabel ma taqbad tfajjar kontra LP. Mela issa l-PN ghandu monopolju fuq il-kulur blu ukoll, jew forsi qed jithajjar jibdlu flok l-iswed fuq l-arma? Taf x'ifisser dak l-iswed hux?

Joe Tabone

Jun 4th 2012, 14:41

@ Arsenio
PN has no monopoly on the colour BLUE, but Dear Joseph seems to be scared of RED? Has is been baned from LABOUR activities, or has he realised that the Maltese are still pertified when they see the colour RED (Labour ativities obviously)?

Edward Gatt

Jun 4th 2012, 14:51

Easy Mr Grech.

Because the discussion on the motion will be just a repetition of the same motion of a couple of weeks ago. They should just take a vote without wasting any time.

F. Pisani

Jun 4th 2012, 12:24

at least cheering if anything will happen, not booing or yelling arrogant slogans as MLP supporters do. no offence but i thing i am right, which is quiet a pity, having to deal that these people ruining the reputation of the party.!!!!!!!

Victor Calleja

Jun 4th 2012, 12:34

Who asked for a vote of confidence? The labour party?

Int taf xqieghed tghid jew?

M Grima

Jun 4th 2012, 12:52

Were you in Malta in 1998 when the PN conspired with Mr. Mintoff to bring down Alfred Sant's government? So the PN by your own twisted reasoning is also a mediocre party. If it's the PN it's OK but if its the PL it is wrong. Hypocrites.

Eddy Privitera

Jun 4th 2012, 12:54

Are you sure that GonziPN will not suffer other hiccups in the near future ?? Not even Gonzi dared say that he is sure of having a plain sailing future for the rest of this legislature , with Franco Debono !

S. Vella

Jun 4th 2012, 12:57

I fear it is much worse than that. When it comes to opposing the government, Franco Debono (and not Joseph Muscat) is the effective Leader of the Opposition.

Edward Curmi

Jun 4th 2012, 13:23

What an incredible waste of parliamentary sittings !! Unfortunately all because of PL lust for power! I hope the electorate will take note .

Francis Saliba M.D.

Jun 4th 2012, 13:31

@ Victor Calleja, today at 12:34

The vote of confidence was justifiably demanded by the Prime Minister because of a clear challenge from the Labour Party that he does not enjoy that confidence.

What do you expect? That the challenged Prime Minister would not take the appropriate step to prove Muscat wrong?

Francis Saliba M.D.

Jun 4th 2012, 13:34

@ Eddy Privitera today at 12:54.

Of course Dr Franco Debono will continue to cause "hiccups" right up to the eve of the next election. But hiccups. although annoying, never harmed anybody.

M Grima

Jun 4th 2012, 13:40

@Edward Curmi

If there was any element of lust in this soap opera it was only because of your own backbencher Dr. Franco Debono and not the PL. Moreover, the PN's lust is clearly reflected in their obsession to cling to the power seat by seducing Dr. Debono to vote with the government in tonight confidence motion.

Alfred Vassallo

Jun 4th 2012, 14:42

@Francis Saliba M.D.
''But hiccups. although annoying, never harmed anybody''
Wrong!! ask CMB what it caused him, and the pn as a whole.

Francis Saliba M.D.

Jun 4th 2012, 20:01

@ Alfred Vassallo, Today, 14:42

What happened to Dr Carmel Mifsud Bonnici was not a harmless hiccup by Dr Franco Debono. It was a despicable and disloyal stab in the back of an honourable gentleman by an opportunistic LP aiding and abetting an act of personal vengeance by Dr Debono.

Fenech MD

Jun 4th 2012, 12:59

GonziPN jerga' jitla....zgur.

Franco Debono ma jitlax....zgur.

Edward Curmi

Jun 4th 2012, 13:24

@Fenech MD..naqbel iktar ma jghaddi iz zmien iktar nikkonferma li Pl baqa l-istess sfortunatament!

M. Bezzina

Jun 4th 2012, 13:37

nispera li ma nergax nara lil min kisser u farrak il pajjizi!!

Francis Saliba M.D.

Jun 4th 2012, 13:38

@ Ms Xaxa Caruana.

On his own, and deprived of any under-the-counter assistance from the LP, Dr Franco Debono would not be able to waste the parliament's time to the extent that he is doing now.

Ms Xaxa Caruana

Jun 4th 2012, 14:28

@Francis Saliba M.D.


So blame it on the PL hux...same old story......

Francis Saliba M.D.

Jun 4th 2012, 20:05

@ Ms Xaxa Caruana, today at 14:28.

Precisely! Dr Franco Debono by himself and without the opportunistic support of the LP would be just a figure of fun.

Fenech MD

Jun 4th 2012, 12:08

Yes G Mangion, wisdom has won. I just hope that after tonight he will keep his mouth shut once and for all; otherwise tonight's vote will be in vain.

Edward Curmi

Jun 4th 2012, 13:25

Ghaziz Sur Sammut...il Pm ivvota ghax ghandu kuzzjenza u kien jaf li bil vot tieghu jew le jghaddi zorta id divorzju..l-izball kien li id divorzju kellu jkun discuss wara l-elezjoni u mux qabel!

Eddy Privitera

Jun 4th 2012, 12:29

Cikku Saliba MD. The benchmark has been set by Dr. Gonzi himself when he said that he no longer wants votes " li m'humiex cari"!!! OR are you already scared that Franco will again cause problems in the future ????

M Grima

Jun 4th 2012, 12:53

He is the leader of the opposition and Prime Minister in waiting!!

J. Mifsud

Jun 4th 2012, 12:55

History is repeating itself, Eddie Fenech Adami also wanted to dictate new rules of procedure from the opposition benches. Worst still he and his party used to discourage foreigners from investing in Malta.

Victor Vella

Jun 4th 2012, 12:57

When your PN was in power and democracy was threatened like GonziPN is doing today it drew up procedures from opposition banks like: Boycott to all those who advertised with Xandir Malta. Boycott Air Malta. Boycott parliament. Instigating civil disobedience Encouraging workers to absent themselves from work and to go for a dip at Ghadira .And instigating people at work to talk politics because politics wer more important than work. Rest assure than Joseph will not revert to these types of hamalagni as were done by your Nationalist party of dishonesty as the benchmarks of your vile party of hypocrisy and lust for power.

Frans Aguis

Jun 4th 2012, 13:26

No just making sure to point out when Gonzi contradicts himself

Francis Saliba M.D.

Jun 4th 2012, 13:41

@ M Grima.

On present showing, may Joseph Muscat remain a prime minister in waiting for a very, very long time - at least until he learns the rudiments of Erskine May and the duties of a Speaker of our democratic House!

Francis Saliba M.D.

Jun 4th 2012, 13:49

@ Victor Vella.

Opposing from the benches of the opposition is perfectly normal. What is objectionable is the dictatorial attempt to change established parliamentary procedure and the interpretation of votes of confidence. That is obvious to all, except to those brought up in the belief that it is clever to boast that one does not care about the Constitution - the exact words used were "nigi nitnejjek mill-Kostituzzjoni".

Francis Saliba M.D.

Jun 4th 2012, 14:00

@ Eddy Privitera, today at 12:29.

I am not "scared that Franco will again cause problems in the future". I am certain that will be the case.
I am disgusted by the conviction that he will continue to be aided and abetted by the Labour Party to persist in his obstructive and disruptive efforts, while hypocritically complaining about the waste of the parliament's time.

M Grima

Jun 4th 2012, 14:53

Do you mean that Dr. Joseph Muscat has to learn the rudiments of Erskine May the way they are interpreted by your beloved Dr. Tonio Borg when he argued in parliament that Dr. Falzon's change in his motion was not in line with this parliamentary bible.

Eddy Privitera

Jun 4th 2012, 12:31

Gianninu, qed tifrah ghax il-lejla Franco mhux se jiskorja auto-goal iehor ??? DAK GVERN SOD !!!!!!!!!!!

Mark Spiteri

Jun 4th 2012, 11:55

JB three comments out of five..you're doing well and trying very hard to convince...

Alfred Vassallo

Jun 4th 2012, 14:24

''Well played Franco''...tajba din saqsi lil CMB.

Edward Curmi

Jun 4th 2012, 13:29

iva imma issa il konkoss tal billboards li poggejna xi zmien ilu fejn ir roundabouts..nehhejnihom! Hasra!

Alfred Vassallo

Jun 4th 2012, 14:23

Stennew naqra ohra sakemm terga taqbizlu Debono.....in the meantime ghoqodu bhall l-anglu tal gloria bil musmar fuq il warani u komplu kantaw il vittorja . Heh Heh Heh

Mr Joe Micallef

Jun 4th 2012, 11:54

Ah so, four years on, there is still hope for the PL earthquake promised by Joey!

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