Updated | President, in Peru, will not be involved in political crisis

In a short statement issued through the Department of Information, the Office of the President said that President George Abela would not be involved in the political crisis.

"Whether government enjoys or not the support of the majority in parliament does not form part of the President's job. It is something which is determined in parliament," it said.

The President's Office added that "circumstances that take place outside Parliament do not fall under the President's constitutional portfolio".

Last Saturday, MaltaToday sent a request to the Office of the President to comment on the fact that during that weekend, MPs Franco Debono and Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando had told MaltaToday that the President would be "justified" in calling the Prime Minister to see whether he enjoys parliament's majority.

No reply was forthcoming.

In fresh comments to MaltaToday, Debono has insisted that the President, according to the Constitution of Malta, should in fact get involved in the issue.

"Section 87 of the Constitution makes it clear that the Prime Minister should keep the President fully informed over the general conduct of the government and shall furnish the President with such information as he may request with respect to any particular matter relating the government," he said.

Debono added that it is clear from the constitution that President Abela is justified and is duty-bound to get involved.

Earlier today, MaltaToday sent another request to confirm whether the President  - who is currently away in Peru on voluntary work - has been informed of the latest political developments and whether he had been in telephone contact with the Prime Minister.

The President's spokesperson however later on redirected us to the statement issued through the DOI.

The "circumstances happening outside Parliament" which the statement was referring to was Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando's decision to resign from the Nationalist Party and form a 'coalition' with Lawrence Gonzi to see that the PN completes its electoral programme.

In his resignation letter to the Prime Minister, Pullicino Orlando also insisted that "Given the circumstances, I expect to be consulted by you should any measure which is not specifically mentioned in the electoral programme require my support in Parliament."