‘No contact’ between Prime Minister and President Ablea

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has not been in contact with President George Abela. This has been confirmed by the Office of the Prime Minister.

Following the political events of the last few days that has seen MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando formally quitting from the Nationalist parliamentary group, many have asked whether Abela - who is currently away in Peru on voluntary work - should intervene.

But according to the Constitution, the President of the Republic can only intervene in government matters if the Prime Minister suffers a defeat in the House and refuses to either advise dissolution or resign.

Calls for Abela's intervention have been repeatedly raised by backbencher Franco Debono who referred to Section 87 of the constitution.

"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," Debono had told MaltaToday.

Following Debono's statement, MaltaToday contacted the OPM to state whether the Prime Minister has made this move.

"The Prime Minister was not in contact with the President," the OPM's spokesman said.