PN Leader Adrian Delia will not be calling for a vote of confidence in his leadership without having some form of action or suggestion coming from the PN Parliamentary Group, stressing that nothing of the sort has happened so far.

Delia was speaking after a visit to the Valletta offices of the Chamber of Commerce.

“I listen to everyone, accept all criticism, but until there is something big that changes what I was entrusted to do then I will continue doing my work knowing that it is what is asked of me in my position.”

Over the past few days there has been talk of a coup brewing, with a number of MPs reportedly willing to collect signatures in a bid to oust Delia. Delia has only been leader of the PN since 16 September.

One of those who are openly calling for a vote of confidence is PD leader Marlene Farrugia. On Facebook she wrote that an urgent vote is needed. “The country needs the Opposition to be united and focussed more than ever before.”

“The Government which just trashed us at the polls needs to be exposed for what it is, day in, day out, hour in, hour out. But not only that. People need to see a credible alternative government, solid and well prepared to govern albeit in the opposition benches. This issue needs to be sorted now,” Farrugia said.

Delia was also asked whether he was aware of a movement working against him within his own Parliamentary group. He replied that he was not “conscious” of any movement, adding that this was a delicate situation where a serious discussion was underway on what options had to be taken in a very difficult time. “One must make focused criticism that is constructive, on the need to repair the institutions, where their decay has resulted in doubts locally and internationally.” He also spoke of the need to see how Malta is appearing abroad.

Told that, while denying there is a coup, he cannot deny there is dissent and asked how he can lead an effective Opposition given the dissent within the party, Delia said: “When I denied that there is a coup, it doesn’t mean that there isn’t internal debate and discussion, heated discussion, which is good, particularly in this moment. No one is under any illusion that there aren’t diverse difficult decisions to be taken. To debate and discuss them with people who have points of divergence is important not capricious, that doesn’t mean there is a coup.”

 He said he knows nothing about allegations that 11 MPs intended to sign a no confidence motion.