Labour Party Deputy Leader Anġlu Farrugia called on Acting Speaker Ċensu Galea to investigate remarks made by the prime minister in a live televised address yesterday.

Repeating an earlier Labour statement, Dr Farrugia said the Prime Minister had ridiculed Parliament by calling it “dan il-parlament bravu” (this clever parliament).

Dr Farrugia raised the issue after question time but did not raise a breach of privilege.

He said Dr Gonzi made this remark after Parliament had in entire liberty decided on censure motions against former Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici and former Ambassador to the EU Richard Cachia Caruana, leading to their resignations from their respective posts. Dr Farrugia said that the Prime Minister, in showing his disagreement with Parliament’s decision, manifestly used words that constituted contempt to the House.

He requested Mr Galea to verify the broadcast and to take any necessary action.

Deputy Prime Minister Tonio Borg said the prime minister was criticising in a general way, as was his right, because he was exercising freedom of expression.

Dr Farrugia replied that the tone used by Dr Gonzi clearly showed that he was ridiculing Parliament.

Mr Galea informed the House that he would investigate the matter.