Muscat with 'surprise motion' calling for urgent referendum on divorce

Labour leader Joseph Muscat is tonight expected to to present a motion in parliament to counter a PN resolution that effectively kills the possibility of a referendum on divorce.

The move by Muscat comes as a surprise to Prime Minister and PN leader Lawrence Gonzi who ambiguously pleaded in a press conference last Saturday, that he was "in favour" of a bill that kills the referendum, and then "wishing" for a referendum to be held at the same time.

The Labour leader hopes to surprise everyone, because in effect it means that he has the surprise backing of a sound Labour parliamentary group.   Muscat has argued with his group that he wants a mandate from the people before going for divorce.

MaltaToday has learnt that Muscat will be moving a motion calling for a referendum.  He will argue that the decision on divorce must be taken by the people and that the Prime Minister cannot go back on his word. 

And he has carefully worded his motion to ensure that the majority MPs back him. Gonzi was hoping that a majority in parliament which included anti-divorce Labour MPs would shoot down the bill.  But the latest resolution by the PN makes a mockery of the referendum and Labour MPs have been mobilised behind Muscat. And more importantly Muscat is hoping to find the support of dissident PN backbenchers to ensure that his motion passes.

avatar
@ James Borg My friend, PN is not selling me anything, it just gave me freedom and internet access.... just go on this link and look at the 12th para... http://www.maltastar.com/pages/r1/ms10dart.asp?a=1963
avatar
@beppez Nahseb jaf x'qed jghid hafna aktar minnek u nies ohra bhalhekk. Kompli dahhal rasek fir ramel habib. Tislijiet.
avatar
@beppez and all PN apologists. Dr.Joseph Muscat is not turning against what he said way back in 2009. This is something the PN is trying to sell, but I'll explain in simple words. Dr.Muscat is presenting a motion in parliament this evening asking for a vote about holding a Referendum asking what the citizens prefer. Let's for the sake of simplicity the Referendum is won by the YES (those in favor of Divorce) then it would be the Parliament to legislate the Law. Is this that difficult to understand ?? Ex PN voter.
avatar
Dan jaf x'qed jghid .... fid-19 ta' Mejju 2009 gie rapurtat li qal hekk fuq il-gazzetta online tal-partit tieghu: "He (Muscat) said that divorce should be legislated in parliament and not through a referendum."
avatar
Nice move Joseph you have shown at your age that you know what politics and human rights are all about unlike gonzi whose only aim in life is to warm the seat of power.
avatar
Helenio Galea
Machiavelli would have been proud of all our MPs, Goebels too.
avatar
I left Malta for the UK 40 years ago, and am now on holidays. If our Prime Minister goes back on his word on human rights-(referendum)- there would have no other consideration other than that of immediate resignation.
avatar
Xprun, you should see what an idiot reader of The Times wrote in to reply to Mr Spiteri: "Lino with your political past I suggest you shopuld go into hibernation." Would you believe there are still such idiots around? Do you think the Bidnija Witch is alone in uttering such idiocies?
avatar
The last paragraph of the greatly-respected Lino Spiteri's column in today's Times is worth repeating and sharing with you: The parliamentary vote on the (Divorce) Bill will no longer be, in reality, about whether there should be divorce legislation or not. It will be about whether the House of Representatives recognises the supreme right of the people to have their proper say on how they wish to be regulated. Every MP has to stand up and be counted in that context. Wise words indeed.
avatar
Aravind
The choice has to be there it is a matter of principle !.
avatar
lets see the MPs vote :) So for example the motion for referendum will pass, than the people will vote. I have my doubts about this referendum-as too many people ,don't know what does a divorce law means. but yes I belive that a referendum is important .At least the MPs will get a view of the people's point of view... Stil it's the MPs who must do that law as too many peope are against the introduction of a divorce law, when they don't even know what is a divorce law. they are too afraid , manipulated , brainwashed, like messages as one would expect from the church.. The reason for preaching is to manipulate , brainwashing certain groups of people.. so the MPs in the end must introduce that law- for whom really needs it- cause that law will be, for whom only need it - people must unite go make protests in the streets (peaceful make their voices heard all over the world) Look yesterday those women in Italy how they protested against Silvio Berlusconi, he is agaist Burqa but in favour of paying women to do him sexual pleasures- making women dignities low. they just United from the internet groups friends telling friends , yes why not? demonstrating peaceful is a very good way to make you listened also all the world wil know waht is happening here . staying home reading only , will change nothing.... RESIST OR SERVE!