Watch: Franco Debono Warns PN Against Pushing For State Funding Of Political Parties
Former PN MP Franco Debono has warned that it would be a “serious mistake” for the Nationalist Party to pursue state funding of political parties, insisting that such a move would backfire both politically and strategically.
Speaking on ONE’s discussion programme Bla Rispetti, hosted by Luke Dalli, Debono said that if the PN pushes the idea, it will “subject itself to criticism” from taxpayers who would see it as asking the state to bail out its financial troubles.
“Politics is about strategy and perception,” Debono argued. “I don’t agree with it in principle, but even more so because the PN will open itself up to criticism from the taxpayer.”
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He insisted that there would likely not be any political consensus for such a move and the PN would be worse off for proposing it. His comments come after newly elected PN leader Alex Borg pledged to make party financing a top priority once Parliament reconvenes. Borg has said his aim is to ensure political parties remain free from private influence and that his proposal goes beyond state funding to address a complex legal framework.
Prime Minister Robert Abela has already poured cold water on the idea, making clear that Labour “will disagree” with any proposal for taxpayer money to go directly towards party coffers.
Debono’s intervention is particularly notable given his recent return to PN circles. The former MP, who was understood to have considered a leadership bid earlier this summer, also making his first appearance at the PN headquarters in 12 years when he attended the party’s General Council.
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Credit: Ix-Xewka and Bla Rispetti via Facebook