Parliament yesterday paid tribute to former MP Francis Bezzina Wettinger, who passed away on July 5.

Mr Bezzina Wettinger was first elected in Parliament in 1953, through a casual election, and represented the Malta Workers Party led by Sir Paul Boffa.

He had also contested, albeit unsuccessfully, with the Nationalist Party in 1955 and with the Christian Democrat Party in 1962.

Describing Mr Bezzina Wettinger as a man of principle, government Whip Carmelo Abela said that during his maiden speech, Mr Bezzina Wettinger had declared that the government had to earn his party’s vote on the budget. He had also said he would support his party until there was another with better principles.

Mario de Marco (PN) said that Mr Bezzina Wettinger wanted to improve Malta’s economy which would in turn improve other sectors such as health and education.

The Speaker described Mr Bezzina Wettinger as a man of principle who remained loyal to the Malta Workers Party.