Opposition Leader accuses Chief Minister of debating Principal Auditor's Report when he's away

The Leader of the Opposition, Keith Azopardi, has accused the Chief Minister of setting a key parliamentary debate on a day he knows Mr Azopardi is unavailable because of his daughter's graduation.

He says Fabian Picardo is  playing “unnecessary political games” ahead of the motion on the Principal Auditor's Report.

Parliament resumes at 10am on Tuesday after a summer recess.

Mr Azopardi says the Opposition was informed about the meeting on 12th September.

He criticises the lack of transparency and says the Government regularly fails to provide advance notice of sittings or the agenda, undermining effective scrutiny.

Mr Azopardi says he reached out to Fabian Picardo to request a delay, given that Tuesday 23rd is the only day he cannot attend due to his daughter's graduation, but was told the debate would proceed regardless.

 He adds Parliament meetings can span a few days and the set agenda always starts with Questions.  However when he asked for confirmation that the motion would not be taken ahead of the usual order, the Chief Minister said it would be debated on the 23rd.

The Opposition Leader describes the timing as unnecessary and disrespectful, saying this is a once-in-a-lifetime family moment, and adds the Government could have easily chosen another day.

He says this highlights flaws in the current parliamentary system and accuses the Government of manipulating proceedings for political advantage.

The Chief Minister has agreed to adjourn the debate after his contribution so the Opposition Leader can reply on his return. Keith Azopardi has changed his flight to return on Wednesday to do so.