Nationalist MP Franco Debono is likely to support the government tomorrow and keep supporting it throughout the legislature, as long as certain reforms are implemented.
Contacted yesterday, Dr Debono reiterated that he would not vote against the government in tomorrow’s crucial vote of confidence.
Asked if this meant he would vote in favour, he indicated his current intention was to vote Yes.
Probed if he would continue to support the government during the course of the legislature, Dr Debono sounded optimistic but stressed the need for reform in various sectors.
Dr Debono wants to see a reform of broadcasting and press law (including stiffer penalties for libel), a reform of Parliament’s Standing Orders, the introduction of his draft Bill on party financing and electoral law and the reform of the justice system, particularly the working conditions and appointment of the judiciary, as he proposed in a Private Member’s motion filed last year.
“If these reforms are going to be addressed in this legislature [I will support the government],” he said.
He added that he asked the Prime Minister to criticise columnist Daphne Caruana Galizia because current libel laws were inadequate.
“This is degenerating into a jungle and the media are the political battlefield,” he said.
He believes the resignation of Carm Mifsud Bonnici, who was responsible for home affairs and for the government’s parliamentary agenda as Leader of the House, paves the way for these reforms to “stop being blocked”.
Dr Debono insisted his stand against Dr Mifsud Bonnici was consistent with his comments against the “oligarchy” and in favour of “accountability”.
He pointed out that he never apologised for his stand against Dr Mifsud Bonnici, although he never intended to hurt him.
Asked whether Dr Debono had another minister in his sights, following his criticism of Transport Minister Austin Gatt and Dr Mifsud Bonnici, he replied: “No”.
Asked what he would do if the new Leader of the House Tonio Borg blocked these reforms, he said: “We can work together.”