Debono will continue to be member of PN group - whip
Franco Debono (back) Clyde Puli and Mario de Marco. Picture - Chris Sant Fournier.
Franco Debono was and will continue to be a member of the Nationalist parliamentary group, group whip David Agius said this morning.
Speaking on TVAM, he said that contacts had been held between the PN and Dr Debono over the weekend - he had personally spoken to him about this evening's vote of confidence.
Dr Debono said he had spoken to him about the significance of this evening's vote and they had also discussed the anger expressed by some members of the group in the wake of last Wednesday's vote, when Dr Debono backed an opposition no-confidence vote in Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici, forcing his resignation.
Mr Agius said he could not reveal what Dr Debono told him, although he understood the anger of some members of the group.
Dr Debono has said he will not vote against the government tonight, but the Prime Minister has insisted that he wants a clear, unconditional vote in order for the government to continue to serve.
“I want a clear vote to know the government has the majority to permit it to move ahead with stability,” Dr Gonzi told The Sunday Times in an interview. ( http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120603/interview/Gonzi-calling-an-election-would-be-the-easy-way-out.422434 )
The backbencher told the newspaper that he is likely to support the government and keep supporting it throughout the legislature, but only as long as certain reforms are implemented.
Political observers said yesterday the Prime Minister was keeping his options open and could call an early election if Dr Debono abstains, even though the government could carry on from a constitutional point of view.
Environment and Tourism Minister Mario de Marco said Dr Debono had a lot to answer for and must assume responsibility for his actions, as voting on such a motion was an insult to those who suffered at the hands of the police when Labour was in government.
Dr de Marco also had a message for those who are dealing with Dr Debono: “We must keep in line with the politics of persuasion and not the politics of appeasement.”
MP Charlò Bonnici, however, was one of those in favour of severing relations. He said: “Franco Debono crossed a red line he should never have crossed. We cannot be held hostage by one person. We cannot keep negotiating with him.”
His words echo those of his colleague Beppe Fenech Adami who has already publicly declared Dr Debono to have “burnt all bridges” with the party.
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Cecil Herbert Jones
Jun 4th 2012, 23:57
For those of you who think otherwise, this is not a public problem. This is an internal problem within the PN and its cabinet. The real goings on will not be given disclosure therefore. If it were a public problem the PN would have distanced itself from FD, and likewise FD from the PN.
Charles Massa
Jun 4th 2012, 18:01
Mhux hekk sur Agius. Jekk ma ghadux membri ma ghandkomx maggoranza
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Jun 4th 2012, 17:05
"Environment and Tourism Minister Mario de Marco said Dr Debono had a lot to answer for and must assume responsibility for his actions" - I am shocked by these words-or pretend to be anyway. Were not these words uttered also by Jospeh Muscat before the divorce vote in parliament to his MPs and the PN came out all shocked and disgusted? Seems PN opinions change acccording to who utters the words.
Andy Farrugia
Jun 4th 2012, 18:00
Are you acting as some kind of apologist for "variante", by any chance?
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Jun 4th 2012, 18:41
No, I am showing up the hypocrisy of GonziPN. Are you acting as some kind of apologist for "GonziPN", by any chance?
Andy Farrugia
Jun 4th 2012, 20:47
Hahahaha! mr camilleri, you'll have to do better than that, much better than that, to embarrass me. On the other hand, you, well......sorpassiamo, e meglio!
Joe Grech
Jun 4th 2012, 14:59
The Prime Minister should have called an election six months ago.....
George Calleja
Jun 4th 2012, 16:05
Biex ipaxxikom. Mela le!!!!
Charles Muscat
Jun 5th 2012, 01:01
By now Malta would have been in a mess.
Eddy Privitera
Jun 5th 2012, 20:40
George, mela taf li kontu titilfuha , hux ????????
Alfred Falzon
Jun 4th 2012, 14:57
PN ASSET MP FRANCO DEBONO REDUCED TO A PARIAH
MP Dr Franco Debono has been reduced to a pariah paradoxically by his own Party!
There is very little hope, if any, of bridging the abysmal gap between him and his well-known Party detractors and hardliners following last week's irksome vote.
On the other hand, the PL in Opposition has given a spectacular display of political expediency, not out of deference for Dr Franco Debono's principled stand, since the 2011 Divorce Campaign incidents involving MPs Dr Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and Dr Adrian Vassallo MD, both crudely chastised for their anti-divorce stance by the PL Party machine, are still very much fresh in our minds a year on.
The fact is that every time a Parliamentary member of one of Malta's two major Parties raises his/her head or is bold enough to stand up and be counted, he/she is declared a "heretic", is insulted, threatened and even blackmailed!
This is far from democracy in action but boils down simply to an imposition for the whole duration of the mandate that a Party enjoys in power, irrespective of whether those at the helm of the Nation are in the right or in the wrong! Loyalty to the Party must precede all other considerations even national interests (shades of totalitarian regimes)!
So now Dr Franco Debono finds himself uncomfortably nestled between two Establishment pillars - the PN and PL - both only too eager to crush him under the awesome political weight of their propaganda machine! Woe betide the one caught in between its cogwheels!
Irrespective of the outcome of tonight's "vote of confidence", Dr Franco Debono, a staunch Nationalist, will remain an undaunted loner in Maltese politics (few reformists before him had the guts to speak up), warts and all, for yes indeed, errors he has committed, some of them unwarranted, but his forcible output and mostly valid contribution in local politics will remain unique, outstanding even though somewhat swashbuckling!
Pity that this saga may have reached Land's End albeit, to quote once more our Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi, "I am a MAN OF COMPROMISE" could move mountains!
Alfred A. Falzon
Mr Emanuel Farrugia
Jun 4th 2012, 14:56
"Dr Debono has said he will not vote against the government tonight, but the Prime Minister has insisted that he wants a clear, unconditional vote in order for the government to continue to serve".
Unconditional war can no longer lead to unconditional victory. It can no longer serve to settle disputes... can no longer be of concern to great powers alone. - John F. Kennedy
Emanuel Farrugia former Executive Secretary Mtarfa Local Council
George Azzopardi
Jun 4th 2012, 14:41
Possibli Dr.Debono daqsekk mazzun li mhux qed jinduna li GonziPN qed jilaquh sa kemm tasal l-elezzjoni.
Miskin Dr.Debono wara jekk jerga jitla Gonzi PM!!!
Geoffrey Farrugia
Jun 4th 2012, 13:55
Franco Debono still part of the PN family!! what an insult to all the other members and especially to Carm!
Francis Saliba M.D.
Jun 4th 2012, 14:04
Most families have a Prodigal Son and not all of them return, humble and contrite, to the family fold.
Franco Farrugia
Jun 4th 2012, 15:10
@ F Saliba: The PN is not a family.
George Azzopardi
Jun 4th 2012, 15:10
@Francis Saliba M.D .. difference is that unlike Prodigal Son, coming next election GonziPN will not accept Dr.Debono back!!
Francis Saliba M.D.
Jun 4th 2012, 20:15
@ George Azzopardi, today at 15:10,
You are presuming that Dr Franco Debono would have the brazen cheek to be seek candidature under a Nationalist Party leader under whom he boasted that he will not serve.
I do not exclude that you may be right. In his case the sky is the limit for brashness.
George Azzopardi
Jun 5th 2012, 09:18
@Francis Saliba M.D .. but let's be honest now .. so if I am presuming right, would PN accept him back?
I wouldn't .. but then I would have the guts or be gentleman enough to tell him the terms and set him straight
now!!!
Coming next elections, I'm dead sure that he would be kicked out in the street by PN and one can understand this after what he's done!
Then again, both party's game is so obvious that you have to be naive not to realize this!
Francis Saliba M.D.
Jun 5th 2012, 15:44
@ George Azzopard today at 09:18.
Honesty does not come into it at all and prophesying the future is an idle occupation in politics where even a week could be a very, very long time with unforseen consequences. Bridges are crossed when one comes to them, not a mile beforehand.
I am not "dead sure" about anything happening in the future. It is my philosophy that only fools are certain, the wise have modifiable opinions.
My opinion, for what it is worth, is that Dr Franco Debono would not have the gall to seek candidature under the present NP leadership or any other probable leader and that no political party existing today would take the risk of accepting him as a candidate because loyalty would be a prime consideration
I repeat; that is my opinion today, not my prophecy for tomorrow. I would not "have the guts" (temerity is the word I prefer) to threaten him with "terms" and conditions before the list of candidates is being drawn up and even before he submits a request to be put on that list.
Susan Cassar
Jun 4th 2012, 13:47
Debono is feeling powerful at the moment because he is the centre of attention but either way it is a very short lived futile strategy as w/o the party he can't execute any of the changes he would like..his plans need party support and come election time all doors would be locked ..bo-ho-ho
m. borg (slm)
Jun 4th 2012, 12:57
With the cabinet's declarations of assets in mind, were gonzi's shows that he did not manage to save one euro cent out of his €95,000- €105,000 wages last year he could not afford to have his wages clipped this year as he would end up begging and maybe even ask the misses to find a job.
No wonder he is fighting tooth and nail to remain in the PM's seat.
Victor Calleja
Jun 4th 2012, 12:44
Hawn hafna jghixu taht listess saqaf u ma jisghux jaraw lil xulxin.
Franco Farrugia
Jun 4th 2012, 12:40
The fact that Franco Debono is still a member of the PN shows the worst kind of insult to Carm Mifsud Bonnici.
Joseph Agius
Jun 4th 2012, 11:36
PN: The Party of Appeasement instead of Persuasion.
Emanuel Curmi
Jun 4th 2012, 11:35
I really have difficulty understanding what the whole fuss is all about. Since when is asking for reforms a form of blackmail. Love him or not, Franco Debono has always been very consistent in his agenda which is not something one can say about this government, or that of the opposition. Agreeing that reforms are needed and doing nothing about it is, for me, a clear proof of failure and one shouldn’t blame others for pointing it out and refusing to become an accomplice in a not-so-subtle cover up.
Beppe Fenech Adami & Dr Mario Demarco, are both staunch believers that party politics should be run as a Masonic lodge where criticism is neither solicited nor tolerated, in other words, total servitude to the party ideals. This is undoubtedly inherited from their namesakes, who modelled the PN to its present structure, while being bearers of such illustrious names, both Mr Fenech Adami & Dr Demarco are assured excess to the PN elite echelons. No wonder they feel threatened by the likes of Dr. Debono as a ‘bicca deputat’.
I have yet to hear anybody who does not agree partly or fully with the demands of FD, and the fact that he is actually giving the PN all the opportunity (and time) to reform, speaks volumes. Single handed, he is taking the whole of the PN to task and instead of demonizing him, they should take the time to read the writing on the wall before it is much too late.
Evarist Saliba
Jun 4th 2012, 12:26
You had better brush up your English, or stop giving your own meaning to well-established words.
BLACKMAIL is when a person threatens that unless he obtains what he is demanding he
will retaliate by hurting the person who does not give in to his demands.
That is what Franco Debono has been doing for quite some time.
It is quite different from asking for reforms.
Geoffrey Farrugia
Jun 4th 2012, 14:06
Debono is not just asking for reforms. He is blackmailing his own party with the one seat majority it has. His requests are then tied to his own personal agenda that bests suits his personal career. Whilst I agree that criticism should be allowed in any party, Debono is bullying his way through acting like a 5 year old stamping his feet when he doesnt get what he wants.
The only mistake PN is doing is letting Debono play these games and run the show. PN is losing credibility fast and the sooner an election is called the better for everyone. PN leaders have to admit that huge mistakes were done in the past when choosing candidates.
Emanuel Curmi
Jun 4th 2012, 14:32
@Mr. Saliba. I'm glad I've hit a cord. Unfortunately ‘blackmail’ and ‘being held hostage’ are being used too liberally for Mr. Franco Debono’s course of action and yet you seem to overlook that that it is within his democratic right to act and vote according to his own convictions. I’m sure you still recall how we, as children, were sometimes ‘blackmailed’ by our parents to our ensure proper behavior or to make us consume our fair share of healthy and yet not so appetizing fare so blackmail may serve a purpose afterall. The BLACKMAIL, that you are going to great pains to explain, is actually illegal and yet nobody would dream saying thatwhat Mr. Debono is doing, is actually illegally. What is happening at present is not such a unique situation (Malta, maybe being the exception) and is actually the norm in other democratic governments so a patronizing tone is hardly going to keep me or anybody else from expressing the obvious.
Evarist Saliba
Jun 4th 2012, 16:45
@ Emanuel Curmi @ 14.32 folow
BLACKMAIL remains blackmail, irrespective of what others do in politics abroad, or whether the letter of the law is broken.
God forbid that should your favourite political party come to power it will follow your principles.
But come to think of it, isn't that how Mintoff forced the inclusion of the neutrality on the basis of non-alignment article in the Constitution?
Isn't that how the shareholders of the National Bank were forced to give up their shares?
The list goes on and on. If that is how you want Malta to be governed you are welcome to it. I shall have none of it.
Emanuel Curmi
Jun 4th 2012, 17:39
@Mr. Evarist Saliba. Again you are jumping to overhasty conclusions. Criticizing the PN’s lack of foresight and their role in this self afflicted problem, does not necessarily stamp me, as a PL support. In fact, I have even mentioned that I am not particularly impressed with the opposition’s agenda since it lacks substance and is wholly opportunistic. Your lop sided and restricted view of local politics actually mirrors the PN’s model of party politics which hinders dialogue and severely restricts the voicing of different opinions. Apart from calling FD a blackmailer, can’t you, at least, tell us, what is fundamentally wrong with Dr. Debono’s proposals. Are these so refreshingly different and yet so vital to reforming our political doctrine that one is forced to attack the person rather than his ideas? My favourite political party, you ask? It doesn’t exist but it would be nice to have one primarily focussed on the electorate’s interests for a change, & devoid of MPs on a mega ego trip.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Jun 4th 2012, 18:45
I am surprised that a supposedly intelligent man like Mr Saliba falls into the usual parochial trap of stamping anyone who dares to criticise GonziPN as a labourite. I have never voted for labour in my life and probably never will. But I can see things as they are and there is a lot to criticise in GonziPN - even the very nomenclature 'GonziPN' sends a shiver down my spine (so remiscent of dictarors taking over the party and creating a cult status for themselves).
S Vella
Jun 4th 2012, 11:19
if Beppe Fenech Adami declared that Franco Debono "burnt all bridges" with the party,why did the whip David Agius have meetings with Franco Debono to convince him vote with the government?
Is it maybe because Gonzi PN is "GRANFAT MAS SIGGU TAL-POTER?" If not why don't you leave him free to vote according to his believes? and the PN accuses the PL that they are thirsty to govern....
Gonzi wants a clear vote he said so why all this lobbying with Franco? I hope the meetings were clean as I am sure they were considering the democracy in the Nationalist party.
S Vella
Jun 4th 2012, 11:03
Beppe Fenech Adami has already publicly declared Dr Debono have “burnt all bridges” with the party.
Speaking on TVAM, David Agius said that contacts had been held between the PN and Dr Debono over the weekend.....are the bridges burnt between Franco Debono and Pn or not?
All they want is your vote Franco....
issa la fattarta kompli ghaddej jekk trid tkun konsistenti!! ghax xorta tlift ghajnek mal PN!
Joe A. Borg
Jun 4th 2012, 11:02
To all those silly speculators that have high hopes that Dr. Debono has the intention to bring the current institution down..... read my lips and will say it only once.... dream on!
If this had to be done, how can Dr. Debono achieve his agenda? He can only do this as long as the PN is in power!
Very few are that stupid as to shoot themselves in the foot when one has the last green mile to run.
Keep it up Dr. Debono, this is your chance!
Saviour Vella
Jun 4th 2012, 10:53
This shows what a humble man CMB is. As voting a yes confidence vote for the government, also means voting a yes confidence vote for FD.
walter camilleri
Jun 4th 2012, 10:50
This is getting so boring. As everything else in Malta, there are two lines of thought about it - Burn Franco Debono in hell, or beatify him. The diehard Nationalists (easily identified by the standardised intransigence of their contributions), of course, are standing by with the bonfires and matches. Typically, they apparently fail to realise that if they push Debono too hard, he could well bring down the Nationalist Government.
The "beatification group" who applaud his stand against the very real Nationalist "klikkizmu" , slowness, incompetence and lack of accountability, cannot accept that in Political terms, going against a Party Whip is at best questionable ethically, and suicidal in electoral terms.
Franco Debono may, indeed be on slippery ground personally, but the Nationalist Party would do well to finally acknowledge that he is right in much of what he is saying, and that they have only a limited time available to put their shaky house in order. Bickering endlessly over this very, very, overworked issue is surely not the best way to do it.
Walter Camilleri
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Jun 4th 2012, 17:10
Best contribution to date! I agree perfectly with you.
Joseph Grech Attard
Jun 4th 2012, 10:39
Suspense! Suspense! How shall this, probably pre-meditated saga, end? The sacrificial lamb CMB shall soon start performing miracles; the PM shall become a pillar of strength, by showing and proving that he is tough; FD shall re-conciliate with GonziPN and everybody shall live happily ever after. That way GonziPN shall gain more sympathy, which could win it the next elections, while the country is left in shambles and in more mess. We have experienced this before. Watch out PL! Be prepared for everything, including provocations. You are being lured into a fox's den! The leaders and advisers of GonziPN are cunning and crafty. Scruples and Ethics are nonexistent when it comes to Party necessities!!
Mr Hans Borg
Jun 4th 2012, 10:32
Dr Debono’s intentions are clear now. He wants to have the cake and eat it and that’s the only reason which stops him from voting against the government. He has a mojor problem though….PN won’t let him contest on its ticket. In fact they are already pushing at least three heavyweights on Franco’s electoral district.
victor bonello
Jun 4th 2012, 10:24
..he should also be nominated for the Oscar as best actor of the year...
GEORGE CUTAJAR
Jun 4th 2012, 10:22
Debono got what he wanted last Thursday when he shot down his colleague. The statements by Beppe Fenech Adami, Mario de Marco and Chiarlo' Bonnici echo the sentiments of many a Nationalist one thousand times over.
Debono has made the past four years a hell on earth for the PM. This notwithstanding the PM and his team of ministers have succeeded and are still succeeding in steering the country through the massive economic crises that has hit Europe.It is about time now that Debono relents and allows the PM and his team to work and do what they have been elected to do - govern this country, continue creating jobs for our youth and strengthening our economy which, whether Labour agrees or not, is not doing badly.
Had Debono been loyal and decent enough during the past four years the PM would have had much more serenity to handle all the problems that came his way.
All one needs to do is watch the foreign news channels and one will immediately see where Malta would be with a Laboour Government. Just look at Cyprus another country to which the Labour Leader offered his advice.
victor bonello
Jun 4th 2012, 11:09
last Friday " Angus Black" wrote;
The leaves on a fruit tree which has not been pruned for 30 years may look green and healthy but the absence of edible fruit tells the tale.
First of all it is the branches and not the leaves that are pruned as only young branches will yield fruit.. but then, is this not what is happening to the PN? I remember a different PN with nostalgia.. Would maybe a new leader like Tonio Borg not give the PN a breath of fresh air?
Lina Caruana
Jun 4th 2012, 10:21
Society has changed.Freedom and democracy has brought about and strengthened far left and far right groups who may work unobtrusively but solidly. Usually extremes meet. Non voters should take heed because we are at a crossroads and a demarcating line has not yet been drawn. Maltese people need some rest from political quibbling to progress in a realistic collaborative way forward. The potential of extremists groups has always been marked in history by totalitarianism, enforced misappropriation, corruption, erosion of human rights and personal freedom.Hopefully Maltese people will choose those who will represent them in parliament with caution not to stumble over trivialities which will cost us dearly.
Joey Tribbiani
Jun 4th 2012, 10:08
Oh what a farce!
anthony sultana
Jun 4th 2012, 10:03
If some people in next election, they want to just vote for some change,they don"t have to,Franco as a strong man , he is doing the change that we never had right now.In Malta and Gozo, we have thousands of laws, but just on the papers.
carmel cassar
Jun 4th 2012, 09:53
As I said in other occasions,I will go for amputation if the body is worth saving, delaying the knife the gangrene will spread, Nobody is conscious of the redness growing away from the rotten part. It is a pity that he is going to end in this way, as I beleived in him, and saw him as a rising star, if I may borrow this phrase.
Manuel Camilleri
Jun 4th 2012, 09:45
Besides remaining a PN backbencher, Debono will continue to blackmail the PM and the Government, as has he been doing up till now. Mr. Agius should realise what Debono is really after: power. If the PM or the PN will come up with the brilliant idea to let him contest the next election as a party canditate, they should better think twice about it. He has literally made a door-mat out of the PM. He should resign, that is, if he is a gentleman and the "greatest" of all nationalists as he so bombastically referred to himself recently.
Edmond Micallef
Jun 4th 2012, 09:36
Quoting Dr Mario De Marco : "an insult to those who suffered at the hands of the police when Labour was in government."
He forgot to add that most of the police chiefs who were responsible for inflicting the same 'suffering' that the De Marco junior is referring to were retained in the corp and promoted to higher grades.
Come on Dr De Marco, look forward. The past has a lot of skeletons in the PN's cupboards as well.
pat muscat
Jun 4th 2012, 09:26
Now that all is said and done, GonziPN can only lick its wound; any 'new' remedy can be even worse than the 'disease' . The troubles GonziPN itself had instigated are now, the hardest to bear.
Jeffrey Mallia
Jun 4th 2012, 09:20
" was an insult to those who suffered at the hands of the police when Labour was in government" ........... And who were these Police officers ?? Those who where promoted to Superintendents and assistant commissioners after the PN came to power in 1987 ??????
J. Borg
Jun 4th 2012, 09:10
What happened to the statement by Dr,Debono that he wants the Prime Minister to condemn the attacks on his mother by certain bloggers?
Is he going to ask the PM again so as to tow the party line?
Joseph Attard
Jun 4th 2012, 08:58
Safejn naf jien Dr Debono ma kienx qal li rrizenja mill-PN f'Jannar?
Edward Mallia
Jun 4th 2012, 09:18
Correct Mr. Attard. But it seems that the PN did not "accept" the resignation, not by a clear reply to that effect but by simply ignoring Debono's letter, as far as I know. This matter of resignation and non-resignation simply highlights the "court jester" antics of Franco Debono and Dr. Gonzi, and now the PN whip David Agius. Agree with them or not, at least Charlot Bonnici and Beppe Fenech Adami spoke out quite unequivocally, even if their own party leader cannot escape (presumably unintended) "friendly fire" from their cannonade.
Fenech MD
Jun 4th 2012, 09:46
Yes you're right. But the resignation was never accepted, unlike the resignation of Dr Carm Mifsud Bonnici from Minister.
I can't see how Dr Debono can work with the PN now that he has declared war against one of the finest gentleman of Malta. Unlike him (Dr Debono), Dr Mifsud Bonnici is a very respected member of Parliament.
The only way to go for Dr Debono is to resign from Parliament now. He can go neither here nor there.
Pippo De Marco
Jun 4th 2012, 08:58
The PN heavyweights are attacking Franco Debono for not toeing the party line, yet they were falling over themselves to support Gonzi when he strayed well outside of the Manifesto and committed the nation to spending €80-100million on his own vanity projects.
Be good, be bad, but at least be consistent.
Victor Laiviera
Jun 4th 2012, 08:57
"Franco Debono was and will continue to be a member of the Nationalist parliamentary group, group whip David Agius said this morning."
.... but from now on HE will be the one holding the whip .....
Paul Giordimaina
Jun 4th 2012, 10:25
Thats your wish Vic
Mr Mike Farrugia
Jun 4th 2012, 08:54
I don't think that elections in the middle of our tourist season is healthy for our counrty. However, CMB needs to answer the inmate's death issue. The family are insisting that they were not contacted by the police. Also, his status of informant was exposed. Someone is lying about this. Who is it?
john muscat
Jun 4th 2012, 09:28
Greece is holding general election on the 17th. instant, in the middle of the tourist season, which makes no difference. All we need is a reliable govt. who should take care of govt. business not party business.
Alfred Bugeja
Jun 4th 2012, 10:04
Inquiries are conducted by inquiring magistrates, and there is one currently under way in the Stephen Spiteri case. It is the Magistrate who decides who she needs to talk to and when. This is an investigation, not an exercise in public relations and the opposition will eventually regret making a political issue out of it. Or are you suggesting that the magistrate is lying?
Marija Falzon
Jun 4th 2012, 08:45
Proset David. Keep the pressure on and call his bluff.
Ray Bonello
Jun 4th 2012, 10:07
int bis-serjeta? what pressure? Almost everyone in the PN group is bending backwards to appease Franco and ensure that they do not irk him in any way just in case......
Carmel Xuereb
Jun 4th 2012, 08:44
With all those comments against Debono form MInisters and members of Parlament he surely is not happy at all. It seems that these want Debono to be a yes man whatever happens. But Franco Debono isn't that 'cuc Malti' that is going to be put in the corner, he is wise enough to let the ball rolling in Gongi's feet to do whatever he likes. I stand by you Franco and many, many Maltese blues and reds know that you are right and want the right things without bends or corners.
A Trapani
Jun 4th 2012, 09:17
....... how can some still be so naive not to realize that what Debono is really after is his obsession to be popular and powerful at the detriment of anyone. How can there still be people around not noticing that this guy is wasting the parliament's (people's) time on his personal agendas? If he was wise enough as you say, he should have been patient, wait a few months and contest the upcoming elections and not threaten his own government, and his own future within his party this way. I certainly do not call people like him wise.... you don't need to be wise to realise that you can use your vote to threaten parliament and your own party when the same party has a 1 seat majority.
David Caruana
Jun 4th 2012, 08:39
“We must keep in line with the politics of persuasion and not the politics of appeasement.”
Wise words Dr. de Marco. I hope that your sound approach prevails in the PN rather than those who want to bring it down with their stubborness.
John Scerri
Jun 4th 2012, 08:36
It's clear .
If Dr Debono abstains , Dr.Gonzi will call early elections.
Malta cannot , anymore waste precious time .
Workers' jobs are at stake here and it is in the interest of the government to ensure that jobs are not lost.
As for the opposition , one can be sure now that it is capitalising over Dr. Debono's issues to destabilise the economic status of our country for it's sole interest .
There are thousands of voters out there who have already realised the political dishonesty and opportunistic manner of the opposition .
The opposition have no players , they dont know the game so they do everything in order not to make their opponents unable to play.
This happens also during football matches when a weak team does anything to hinder its opponent from playing the game.
Keep it up MLP , Dr.Muscat . You are heading for yet another defeat.
People are not blind and deaf you know .
People will never vote for the unknown.
People will never vote for those who embrace elements who were antidemocratic during their time and are still so today .
This is not scaremongering.
This is fact whether one likes it or not .
This is why MLP wants everyone to forget it's shameful past .
Alfred Vassallo
Jun 4th 2012, 09:43
''There are thousands of voters out there who have already realised the political dishonesty and opportunistic manner of the opposition'' .
And there thousand of voters out there eager to get rid of this corrupt government and who will not forget the 500 Euros which this government gave himself whilst giving a pittance to the workers and promising one thing during election time and doing the opposite when in government. Ask the man in the street.
John Scerri
Jun 4th 2012, 11:02
Dear Alfred ask the man in the street and the woman in the street who saveguarded their jobs during these past 4 years when times were bad and certain companies were on the verge of closing down.
Ask the man in the street.
Yes the man in the street knows well enough who promises and has nothing to offer but words, words words. substance is '0' ZERO
victor bonello
Jun 4th 2012, 12:14
@ Joseph Scerri; thoe men in the streets are also fed up with tales of corruption, uncontrollable spending and CIA tactics to tacit opposition.
They are fed up with a few accumulating the country's wealth while the masses accumulate the debts.
They are fed up being treated like idiots by arrogant politicians who believe they own the country inheriting this right because their father, uncle or grandfather ruled it as a politician before them.
They are fed up because these politicians have forgotten it is us the little people in the street that pay for their salaries and so they should be there to work for us and be accountable to us for their doings or misdoings.
The Pn runts about the past atrocities performed by the MLP.. yet they have never in 25 years taken anyone to court over them.. why? to many dark areas for me..sorry!
Joseph Cauchi Senior
Jun 4th 2012, 12:52
@ Alfred Vassallo,
So, you are calling this government ‘corrupt’?
“Corruption” is a very strong word to use
Don’t you know that saying such words could land one into trouble?
If you have proof of any corruption, then why don’t you do the real thing by reporting it to the Police Commissioner for action?
It is so easy to sling mud, isn’t it?
But perhaps this is the only way that most PL apologists can play!
JC.
Alfred Vassallo
Jun 4th 2012, 15:37
@Joseph Cauchi Senior
Corruption can take many forms. One of them is to be 'Dishonest' and do you call a government who gave himself 600E/brought down to 500 E whilst giving a meagre amount to the workers Honest?
Even the Government admitted that its hurt was felt across the whole strata of the workers.
So I am not throwing mud at anyone. I am simply stating a fact.
But you know what; you people try to intimidate others by your proverbial baw baw.
M Grima
Jun 4th 2012, 08:31
“We must keep in line with the politics of persuasion and not the politics of appeasement.”
Just who exactly went to great lengths to appease Franco Debono, Dr. Demarco? Nice and meaningful words coming from the son of one of Malta's top politicians, but what has really happened in reality. The PN with all their arrogance and sense of superiority have played the prostitute to win Franco back. You cannot have one of your own members disregarding the party's policies and line of ethics, otherwise a free for all battle will reign in that same party and nobody would blame other backbenchers should they copy Dr. Debono!
Jonathan Camilleri
Jun 4th 2012, 08:26
Dr. Gonzi and other politicians, please get on with this, and, we understand it is a difficult moment as well. Perhaps now you feel the same way I felt when people tell me a lot of things which seem like "crap", and, expect me to believe it.
Please choose the reason of your report below: