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.