The Opposition motion requesting that the Government withdraw its plans to privatise 32 car parks will not be discussed today, as requested by the Opposition yesterday, the Speaker of the House ruled in a decision he handed down after midnight.
Speaker Michael Frendo, however, also ruled that the House Business Committee, which decides on the parliamentary agenda, will meet on Thursday to try and find a way forward.
He gave the ruling after PL whip Joe Mizzi tabled an adjournment motion, near the end of yesterday’s Parliamentary sitting, asking that the car park motion be debated today.
During a House Business Committee meeting last Thursday, the Government had insisted there was no urgency for the motion to be heard. Later that evening the PL filed two motions asking that their car park motion – and another one filed by Nationalist MP Franco Debono calling for Transport Minister Austin Gatt’s resignation – be discussed with urgency.
Yesterday the PL tried to force the matter further with its adjournment motion.
Tension soared in Parliament as MPs waited for his decision – which may have impacted the future of Dr Gatt, who was behind the proposal to privatise car parks.
Nationalist MP Franco Debono backed yesterday’s Opposition motion.
Mr Mizzi argued that it was clear that the Opposition’s request for an urgent debate was backed by a majority in the House.
He reminded the Speaker that his role included protecting the minority (Opposition) which, in this case, was backed by the majority.
Leader of the House Tonio Borg said motions should be debated according to the Government’s legislative priorities.
Dr Debono, who walked into the room 10 minutes before the sitting ended, said the debate would include his motion for Dr Gatt’s resignation.
The Speaker said this was not the case, to which Dr Debono replied that there was a link.
He said the Speaker must be careful not to give a ruling that would allow the Government to block a motion for years. He cautioned against introducing the “culture of clientelism and favours” even when it came to the discussion of motions in Parliament.
He said the Government stayed in office only for as long as it enjoyed the support of the House, but it had no support on this motion, just as it would not enjoy support on the Budget.
After considering the PL’s request for over two hours, just after midnight Dr Frendo ruled that while he felt burdened to ensure that MPs debated what they wished, he had to abide by outdated regulations and also had to ensure that the Government moved forward according to its priorities.