Debono insisting Austin Gatt must assume political responsibility for bus reform

The Nationalist backbencher has warned that he will abstain from voting when the House will debate an Opposition motion on November 4, which calls for Austin Gatt’s resignation, unless the minister assumes his political responsibilities over the transport reform fiasco, and the delay in delivering the promised jobs at SmartCity Malta after it was revealed that governmental bureaucracy has hindered the project’s deadlines.

Debono insisted in a letter sent last week to PN secretary-general Paul Borg Olivier, that the party “cannot ignore” the realities behind the Opposition’s motion, neither the frustration expressed by government MP’s over public transport reform.

Speaking to MaltaToday last Saturday, Debono stressed that it was his duty as an MP to be loyal to the people, the nation and parliament.

“Party loyalty is very important, but it is not a pretext for a carte blanche that allows ministers to arrogantly ride roughshod over everyone, including parliament, relying on blind support from backbenchers, who not only represent the electorate but must also face it again come election time,” Debono said.

The Ghaxaq MP, who argued that accountability was an essential element of democracy, claims that such accountability is “seriously lacking in the country”, and that ministers must keep in mind that they are responsible for their actions to parliament. "They should make their utmost not to embarrass the party and their colleagues, and not to harm government,” he said.

Debono also reacted to Austin Gatt’s comments to the media last Saturday when he said that he will resign if the Opposition motion passes.

“This is not an option,” Debono said, adding that in a normal democracy a Minister whose actions may embarrass government must “move on” and not embarrass his colleagues.