Updated - adds declaration audio

Franco Debono gave reasons for his vote just before abstaining in the no confidence vote this afternoon.

He said that he was not stuck to his seat in Parliament. He was continuing to appeal to those who had failed the governemnt to assume their responsibility.

Looking emotional, he said he always put the country before everything else, including himself.  People had to see what they could do for their country, not what their country could do for them.

He wanted to see a modern Malta with effective institutions, and he was therefore making personal sacrifice.

He had explained how he disagreed with the governemnt.

Out of respect for the thousands of Maltese who continued to respect him and backed his issues, with a clean conscience and for the glory of God and country  he would abstain.

Hear Dr Debono's declaration by clicking on the picture below