Nationalist MP Franco Debono yesterday called for political reforms to give birth to a new constitution reflecting a “European Malta”, burying the two tribe model to pave way to the model of one people representing the continuity of the state with a transparent system of political parties.
He invited President George Abela and Speaker Michael Frendo to intervene and take ownership of the need for reforms in Malta’s democratic progression as a fully-fledged European state.
As society was evolving, the parliamentary system had to be strengthened.
There was the need for a stronger, autonomous Parliament that should change its Standing Orders to reflect current circumstances.
It had to have better means of communication while the electorate had to be better informed. There was also the need to strengthen the system of checks and balances and to reform institutions. This was fundamental and intrinsic to the democratic process.
Dr Debono called for a reform of the Family Court adding that lawyers made their utmost in the mediation process to bring reconciliation between spouses.
The debate on divorce also treated democracy because the will of the majority had to be respected.
Dr Debono said he had previously emphasised that an MP was not a party delegate but a representative of the people elected within a political party. He would, therefore, not abdicate from his responsibilities.
After the referendum he had considered various factors while he respected the vote of every MP. He considered that Malta recognised divorce obtained from foreign jurisdictions.
Divorce was a right in almost all states including Catholic countries. The result of the referendum showed the people’s will and was unequivocal and indivisible. The result had to be respected even though he had voted against divorce. The minority in the legislative process could only be represented through amendments that it could move. One could not use “the conscience of the calculator”.
Dr Debono said abstention was never on his mind and he would respect the electorate’s will. At the same time the PN had to remain strong in its Christian and democratic beliefs.