The PN has not yet been approached by the government on proposed Constitutional reform, Opposition leader Simon Busuttil said this morning.
Speaking at a press conference to mark the first 100 days of the legislature, Dr Busuttil said that despite the government’s early decision to appoint Franco Debono as coordinator of constitutional reforms the party has not yet been approached on any of the reforms on the agenda.
Dr Busuttil said that while the party is “not comfortable” with the appointment of Dr Debono to coordinate this important challenge, it is still open to discuss.
“This is too an important issue to close the door to it even though we have said that we are not comfortable with Franco Debono. We have not been approached yet on any of the reforms being suggested but we are ready to discuss and leave the door open for negotiations. The ball is in the Prime Minister’s court,” he said.
Dr Busuttil said that the first 100 days since the election marked a thorough change in the Nationalist party with the establishment of a new leadership and administration.
“We have managed to put in place a generational change in the PN and I promise that the party will be going through reform in order to become once again the people’s party.”
Dr Busuttil said that the PN is working to become synonymous with good governance – where people can start associating the party with high standards, including those regarding ethics, and with good policies. Dr Busuttil said that the party will be embarking on a review of its policies so that people will know where the party stands on each and every topic which affects them.
NO CONFIDENCE IN HEALTH MINISTER
Asked to comment on the appointment of John Dalli by the government, Dr Busuttil said that this showed “a vote of no confidence in the Minister of Health” just 100 days from Labour taking power.
He said that the party will be holding this administration to check on the health sector even after the appointment of John Dalli.
FRANCO MERCIECA
Dr Busuttil said Parliamentary Secretary Franco Mercieca should reveal the earnings he had made from private practice since he became parliamentary secretary. Dr Busuttil hit out at breaches of the ministerial code of ethics, particularly by Mr Mercieca.