The Chamber of Commerce yesterday expressed concern on the possibility that the Budget will be voted down on Monday, describing this as “the height of irresponsibility”.

The Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry said it was “extremely worried” about Nationalist MP Franco Debono following through on his threat not to support the Budget, toppling the Government and forcing an early election.

It said there was “huge uncertainty” that hurt the economy.

“Leaving the country without a Budget for reasons that have nothing to do with the Budget itself is the height of irresponsibility. It would accept a refusal if such Budget was shown to be flawed,” it said.

“This is not the case. There is general consensus amongst the social partners that the Budget presented last week aims to consolidate national finances and will support the private sector in its efforts to continue to create economic growth.”

It said that while political differences showed a healthy democracy, it could not accept sacrificing economic well-being for political gain.

“If the economy goes down,the whole country suffers.  If the economy goes down, the first casualty will be those who will lose their jobs. Politicians must be aware of this.

“While acknowledging the political dynamic that the country finds itself in, the Malta Chamber is calling on all parties to act in a responsible manner and to be guided by the nation’s well-being. Politicians on both sides have very often professed to be guided by the national interest. Now is the time to show that this is indeed the case.”