Fenech Adami throws ball into Opposition’s court
Matters to come to a head once Opposition tables motion of no confidence, former PN leader.
Former Nationalist prime minister and President of the Republic Eddie Fenech Adami has come out in agreement with the Prime Minister's decision not to call for a vote of confidence, even though the scene may be set for an Opposition motion that will have the support of rebel backbencher Franco Debono.
Fenech Adami told the Labour party's One News yesterday he agreed with Lawrence Gonzi's decision not to call for a vote of confidence.
"Who wants to bring this matter to a head knows what they must do. But not government. Government must continue its work," Fenech Adami said.
The former PN leader, 77, was Opposition leader in 1998 when Dom Mintoff voted against Alfred Sant's confidence motion - then tied to a motion for the go-ahead on the Cottonera waterfront project - sending the country into early elections 22 months into Labour's legislature.
"So far it's at a stage of discussion," Fenech Adami said. "That's why it's almost a crisis. It will be a real crisis when Franco Debono withdraws his support for government."
Fenech Adami, appointed President of the Republic in 2004 by Lawrence Gonzi, also said it was not for President George Abela to enter the fray.
Fenech Adami said this "unnecessary crisis" was an internal party matter for the PN and said Debono should resign if he doesn't toe the party line.
"I don't think the president comes into it... the Constitution gives him obligations, duties and rights, but this is not a case where he has to come into it... if there is a vote of no confidence, then naturally the Prime Minister must go to the President of the Republic."
Nationalist MP Franco Debono has declared he will not run for office, in a confirmation that his political career is over after calling on the Prime Minister to resign.
This week, Debono also said that if Labour presents a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister, he would "definitely vote with the Opposition."