Video: Motion against RCC passes as JPO votes with opposition, Mugliett abstains

The government suffered its second body blow in as many months this evening when an Opposition motion calling for the resignation of Richard Cachia Caruana was approved by Parliament, with Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando voting with the Opposition. Nationalist MP Jesmond Mugliett abstained. The first blow was the motion of no confidence in Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici, which was passed after Nationalist MP Franco Debono voted with the Opposition. The minister resigned immediately. Dr Debono voted with the government tonight but Dr Pullicino Orlando voted with the Opposition after hitting out at Mr Cachia Caruana for showing disdain for democratic norms (see separate story). The vote was passed with 35 votes in favour of the Opposition motion and 33 against as Jesmond Mugliette abstained. Commenting after the vote, Mr Mugliett  said Parliament should have been respected and the issue (about PfP and access to documents) should have been debated there. Mr Cachia Caruana has been Malta's representative to the EU since accession, having previously been Malta's Chief Negotiator. Mr Cachia Caruana has attended Cabinet meetings regularly for the past 21 years,...