As the debate on an Opposition motion censuring Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici nears its end, the Chamber has filled with MPs who will be taking their vote at 7.30 p.m.
The Strangers Gallery has also filled up and visitors include Dr Mifsud Bonnici’s wife, Sandra, who is accompanied by Minister Austin Gatt’s wife Marisa, other family members, friends and curious onlookers.
Nationalist MP Franco Debono, on whose vote the minister’s future depends, has indicated he will be abstaining although he has not said so in so many words.
He is sitting on the far end of the government’s backbench (Speaker’s side) next to Edwin Vassallo as PL spokesman Michael Falzon is winding up the debate on the motion.