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Parliament Descends Into Chaos: Suspended Five Times Over Camilleri’s Resignation Offer

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Parliament’s first sitting following the theft of 200kg of cannabis resin from Safi AFM Barracks had to be suspended a total of five times, before Prime Minister Robert Abela could even address the House on the incident.
 
The tension was further heightened by the notable absence of Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri, who is politically accountable for the security failure at the barracks.

Camilleri’s resignation offer was rejected by Abela, a move that drew sharp criticism from opposition leader Bernard Grech. Grech condemned Camilleri’s absence and dismissed the resignation as merely a token gesture, while PN MPs displayed protest signs that not only referenced the drug heist but also referenced other unresolved scandals, including prison abuses, the Ombudsman’s damning report and the ongoing ID cards controversy.

Government whip Naomi Cachia attempted to pre-empt an urgent debate by proposing that Abela provide a ministerial update instead. However, the opposition countered this move, with Grech insisting on a comprehensive discussion, citing Standing Order 13 to stress the urgency of addressing the matter.

Amid the chaos—characterised by clashes over unparliamentary language, personal insults, and repeated adjournments—Speaker Anġlu Farrugia eventually closed the sitting, postponing further debate until Tuesday.

Meanwhile, PM Abela confirmed that retired judge Geoffrey Valencia will lead an inquiry into the incident, with the terms of reference to be published in the coming days.

READ NEXT: Watch: 'I Won't Change Policy To Attract Voters' - Bernard Grech Stands Firm On PN’s Anti-Abortion Stance

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