Government's decision to appeal court's judgment on MPs ‘insulting’ - Busuttil

PN leader Simon Busuttil has lambasted the government’s decision to appeal a case which ruled that the parliamentary seat difference should have been of seven and not of nine, arguing that an appeal is an “insult to democracy and to the voters.”

On Friday, the first hall of the civil court in its constitutional jurisdiction ruled that “shortcomings in the electoral process” lead to an incorrect result with respect to the representation of the electorate’s wishes, and that the seat difference should have been of seven and not of nine.

Toasting the PN’s victory at the “historic” judgment, Busuttil took issue at the government’s decision to appeal, and accused it of dragging its feet during the court case.

“The government’s decision to appeal the judgment is an insult to democracy, an insult to the people, and an insult to the voters of the eight and the 13th districts. Rather than accepting the court’s judgment, the government should be setting the example by accepting the court sentence.

“The government dragged its feet during the court case to deny the PN of its two seats, and now, through the appeal, it wants the case to continue to drag on,” Busuttil said.

The Opposition leader also renewed his appeal for the government not to go ahead with its appeal, arguing that such a move shows that the voters’ votes shall not be considered.

Speaking during a Radio 101 interview, Busuttil argued that the relocation of the monti hawkers to Ordinance Street is an “insult” to the new parliamentary building and to Malta’s culture.

Turning his attention on the reduction of fuel prices, Busuttil said this was only possible thanks to the Opposition’s intervention. Nevertheless, he said, the recent 4c in fuel prices was not enough.

“Malta’s fuel prices are still amongst the highest in the EU. The people should not be deceived and robbed any more by the government,” he said.

The PN leader also explained that during the parliamentary debate on fuel prices on Monday, the Opposition would continue to insist that the fuel prices reduce more significantly and immediately, in line with international oil prices.