Richard Cachia Caruana targeted in Debono's speech over 'power behind the throne'

Nationalist backbencher Franco Debono this evening hit out at Malta's permanent representative to the EU Richard Cachia Caruana, calling for answers over Cachia Caruana's "behind-the-scenes" role in Maltese politics.

Speaking in Parliament, Debono said it was time that people started asking questions about other individuals rather than himself, referring to mocking speculation over his psychological state of mind after in he threatened to withdraw his support for the government back in January when Lawrence Gonzi announced a cabinet reshuffle.

Debono reiterated that while the Prime Minister more than once admitted that government had made mistakes several times, still no resignations were forthcoming.

"We are now creating one task force after the other, as if we were in the 80s. A task force for the public transport, another task force for the shortages of beds at Mater Dei ... I am surprised when people ask me what I am going to do next," Debono said.

He said that many are asking him when a vote will be taken in parliament. "Why don't they ask those sitting on the House Business Committee or the leader of the House Carm Mifsud Bonnici? Or Cachia Caruana? He's the one who gives them advice. For over 25 years he has been working in the shadows," Debono said.

Debono claimed that Cachia Caruna is the person who decides "the next steps" for government.

The outspoken MP said that while his criticism in government and his proposals for reforms and ideas have always been public, the same could not be said for Cachia Caruana: "They accuse me of seeking out the limelight. It's better to act in the limelight rather than in the shadows like he does."

Debono went on to add that he had been ready to sacrifice his political career: "But while I have to put up with harsh criticism for nothing - because I'm fighting for reforms for the good of this country - others receive the praise."

He said that the local councils elections had sent a clear message from the electorate. "The people want their country back. It was a clear and resounding message. Government now has to make amends: repair what it broke. The people are suffering... but no one listened to me when I said that," he said.

Debono also commented that he felt as if he were living in an outdated monarchy: "No matter how hard you work, if you are born into a less privileged class you remain suffering forever."

Referring to the loss of the Safi council to the Labour Party during last Saturday's elections, Debono said he had worked hard to convince hundreds of Safi residents to vote for the PN. "Now look what happened. I am sorry for Pietru Pawl Busuttil - despite his harsh comments in my regard. And maybe he has now realised his mistakes," Debono said, referring to comments made by Busuttil that the rebel MP should have been the one to resign when the latter had asked for the resignation of Lawrence Gonzi.

Turning his focus back on Richard Cachia Caruana, Debono said people should start questioning the power held by the former right-hand man to Eddie Fenech Adami. "He was the one who came up with this hysterical absurdity to dig a quarry in front of the co-cathedral. Who was the one who hurt government? Cachia Caruana, or the backbencher calling for reforms?

"Is he a team player? Is it true Cachia Caruana wanted to become a European Commissioner? Is it true he puts pressure on government? He moves as if he has some sort of divine right to intrude in everything. He fights with everyone and eliminates those he cannot control. He is hungry and obsessed with power. If you give him something, he wants more."

Debono went on to accuse Cachia Caruana of being "selfish", of being accountable to no one and to think "he is the authority".

"How can one remove him? He is not in power following an election. Is it true he's the one who decides who make it to the Cabinet? Is he addicted to power?" Debono said.

As Debono ranted on over Cachia Caruana, Speaker Michael Frendo intervened and asked him to control his words. However, Debono said that just liked it had been asked whether Debono had needed psychiatric care, the same should be asked of other people.

"Does this man need psychiatric care? Is he holding the Prime Minister hostage ... threatening him quietly behind the scenes, stamping his feet when something doesn't go as he planned?"