Austin Gatt surveys new parliament, takes no questions on prospect of no-confidence motion

Transport Minister Austin Gatt appeared calm and collected while visiting ongoing works at the City Gate Project in Valletta this morning, despite facing the possibility of a second no-confidence motion in less than a year.

A Labour motion for the repeal of the privatisation public car parks could be scheduled for urgent debate in the House before the upcoming Budget, and carry with it the support of Nationalist MP Franco Debono who said he will amend th emotion with a no-confidence motion against Gatt.

“I would know if I didn’t have support,” Gatt told reporters today during his visit to survey works at the new parliament building at City Gate, when asked whether he enjoys the support of the House if he had to face a new no-confidence motion.

Earlier this week Gatt announced that the privatisatio of car parks was being suspended pending further consultation with local councils. He also stressed that the privatisation of the 34 car parks was a Cabinet decision and that the repeal, which came after Labour filed its motion against the privatisation, was also a Cabinet decision.

His future appears compromised if Franco Debono includes an amendment callling for his resignation in the Labour motion, after the Nationalist MP declared in the House Business Committee on Monday that he would not be supporting his government in the next budget. Debono has specifically pointed out he won't vote for the Budget if Austin Gatt - who was expected take the reins of the party's electoral campaign when he steps down as minister - stays in the Cabinet.

Gatt survived a motion of no confidence moved by Labour back in November 2011 over the Arriva fiasco earlier that summer, but Franco Debono had abstained on the vote. At that time, Gonzi had declared the no-confidence motion was one of collective responsibility for the government, taking the hit for Austin Gatt if he was voted out.

Gatt today would not answer any further questions from journalists unless related to the City Gate Project, which has to date cost around €44 million and remaining within the budget and time frame predicted so far. “This is the second anniversary since the first stone was laid for the new parliament building and theatre. It is only appropriate that we show the public the progress to date and the artistic work of Renzo Piano,” Gatt said.

This will be the first time Maltese hard-stone cut from Gozo is used for the facade of such an important building and each slab of hard stone weighs in at around 200 to 300 kgs. Gatt was shown around the new House of Parliament and pointed out the layout of where MPs will be sat. “The MPs will be set out in an almost triangular way facing the speaker and a visitors’ gallery and press box will overlook the entire room. A lot of work still needs to be completed but we are sure that the project will be completed in December 2013 as predicted,” Gatt said.