Opposition objects to absence of Prime Minister

An altercation flared up briefly in Parliament yesterday when Government Whip Carmelo Abela rose to explain that Prime Minister Joseph Muscat was asking to be excused for not being present at Question Time due to some very important talks he was having.

This showed a lack of respect to the House

Opposition Whip David Agius heatedly pointed out that this showed “lack of respect to the House”. He said “nothing was more important than Parliament”.

Mr Abela said Dr Muscat had a lot of respect not only for Parliament but for the whole country. It was the first time he had been absent for Question Time.

The matter arose when Parliamentary Secretary Michael Farrugia repeatedly answered supplementary questions by Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi, who eventually asked why the Prime Minister was not present to answer himself.

Dr Azzopardi’s original question was for the Prime Minister to give his reaction to the address that President George Abela made in Floriana regarding the speech he had been given to read at the opening of Parliament.

Dr Muscat wrote in reply that he respected the President’s opinion, which reaffirmed the need of a Constitutional Convention.