Opposition leader Joseph Muscat did not speak in the Budget debate on the Estimates of the Office of the Prime Minister which started yesterday and continued this morning.

It was the first time in recent history that the Leader of the Opposition did not speak during the debate on the ministry he directly shadows.

The Opposition speeches were made by former Opposition leader Alfred Sant, Karmenu Vella, Leo Brincat, Helena Dalli, Stefan Buontempo, Roderick Galdes, Gino Cauchi, Marie-Louise Coleiro and Joe Debono Grech.

Dr Muscat only spoke during his general reply to the Budget speech last week.

A spokesman for the Labour Party said that Dr Muscat felt that his two-hour speech last week was sufficient and he had a very well prepared team which could speak on the various sectors of the Office of the Prime Minister. The spokesman also pointed out that time allocated for the Budget debate was limited.

PN STATEMENT

The Nationalist Party in a statement said that Dr Muscat by not taking part in the debate had 'abdicated his responsibilities'.

The party said Dr Muscat's behaviour was unacceptable and raised serious questions over the way he was handling his responsibilities as Leader of the Opposition.

Its said his absence was symptomatic of arrogance and superficiality.

PL STATEMENT

The Labour Party in a statement this evening reiterated the comments made by its spokesman in the morning. It also pointed out that the Prime Minister twice refused a request for an extension of 15 minutes to the time availabile to the Opposition and an equivalent amount to the government.

The PL said the government's lack of respect to Parliament was evidenced by its putting off of debate in Parliament on the Opposition motion on the power station extension.