A house divided

The PN’s reaction to recent events in Parliament is even more worrying than the events themselves. The PN felt it had to resort to obtaining a signed declaration by Members of Parliament in support of a civil servant who has been legally and morally removed from his post by the highest institution of the country. This action is reminiscent of the politics of one-party governments in the last century and is an injustice to modern democracy.

 The fragmentation of GonziPN in and out of Parliament is more than evident. The Prime Minister said he was surprised at the vote in Parliament regarding the motion to oust Cachia Caruana from his post as Malta’s EU representative. Dr. Gonzi, when discussing the aftermath of the Mifsud Bonnici vote and the subsequent vote of confidence said that internal strife was a closed chapter. Dr. Muscat has said that after losing the vote on Monday, GonziPN has opened an Encyclopaedia. To list GonziPN’s shortcomings would require a whole library.

 After Dr. Muscat’s speech, the PN’s Executive issued a unanimous condemnation of three party MPs: Dr. Franco Debono, Dr. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando and Mr. Jesmond Mugliett. Since the PN statement, all three Members of Parliament have published their replies to the PN Executive’s decision and statement. Whilst Pullicino Orlando and Mugliett had already stated that they would not be seeking re-election, it is widely known that Franco Debono entertained hopes of being allowed to contest under the PN banner at the next election. In fact, Debono voted with the Government on the confidence motion and on the RCC motion.

 Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. The statements and counter statements have virtually opened up a war between the MPs and their party. A war, that seems to be developing through the media. The decisions taken were decided upon in the absence of the three Members of Parliament. Dr. Gonzi and his party have said that the rebel MPs would ‘face consequences’ and would have to face ‘political responsibility’, without explaining what these consequences and responsibilities are. Last January, the PN Parliamentary group called for Dr. Debono’s resignation and the Party Whip was non-committal on the actions that the Parliamentary group would be taking this time.

 Up to a few days ago, Dr. Gonzi was saying that he had the confidence of the house. The votes in Parliament and the serious accusations levied at GonziPN and his close group, be-lie the Prime Minister’s statements. Gonzi’s declarations have made us the laughing stock of democratic Europe. Gonzi’s arrogance and disrespect for Parliamentary decisions have undermined the powers of democracy. GonziPN is harming the image of Malta in European and World circles. If he cannot keep his house in order, how can he project stability for our country? 

A house divided against itself cannot stand.