Nationalist Party MPs walked out of the Parliament chamber in protest on Monday, denouncing a Labour Party motion that condemned PN MP Karol Aquilina for his recent actions towards Speaker Anġlu Farrugia.

Opposition Leader Bernard Grech on Monday described the motion as a "fascist" and "vindictive" political vendetta towards the Opposition and towards all Maltese and Gozitan citizens who have now seen a "dangerous step" by the government who has "taken over" the institutions.

The controversy stemmed from a series of heated exchanges in Parliament. The Labour Party had said that Aquilina had accused Speaker Farrugia of bias and used terms such as "obscene" and "unable to think," even suggesting that the Speaker should sit with government members.

In response, the Labour Party tabled a motion to condemn Aquilina's behaviour, emphasizing that despite the Opposition's criticisms, it had not appealed any of the 67 rulings delivered by Farrugia in the current legislature.

The motion expresses solidarity with the Speaker of the House, Anglu Farrugia, "who in recent months, and particularly in the past weeks, has consistently faced senseless attacks from the Opposition."

It "condemns the inappropriate behavior of Nationalist MP, Karol Aquilina, towards the Speaker, which should never be accepted from any member of the House." The motion also asks the Opposition Leader to reprimand the actions of the MP "and ensure that such instances of disorder do not recur." It also calls on Parliament to "deplore the inappropriate behaviour of Karol Aquilina towards the Speaker, while fully supporting the proper conduct of the Speaker, Anglu Farrugia, in this highest institution of the country."

Grech had criticised the motion as a "direct attack" on the citizens who voted for the PN, arguing that parliamentary time should be dedicated to more pressing national issues. He further accused the government of attempting to silence dissent and undermine democratic principles.

Outside Parliament, Prime Minister Robert Abela was seen walking in, ignoring media who questioned him.

Inside, Grech said that Parliament, as the highest institution in the country, should be a place of dialogue, and serious work in discussing solutions to the country's issues, such as the health crisis, overpopulation, institutionalised corruption, lack of security, and other pressing matters.

Grech said that instead, government ignores all such problems, and instead presents a motion which is a "direct attack on democracy and the Opposition's role in the constitution."

The Speaker intervened to say that he would withdraw himself from the discussion, but Grech said that he wanted Farrugia to hear his declaration before walking out of Parliament.

He said that this motion should be inadmissible, but government is assuming the role of "prosecutor, jury and judge all in one, with a dangerous approach."

Grech said that government wants to "eliminate the Opposition from Parliament," and it has resorted to extreme decisions, such as the rushed magisterial inquiry reform.

"Government is trying to eliminate the democratic representation of thousands of citizens, and this motion is a threat to the country's democratic principles," Grech said.

He said that the PN will not be complicit in this "anti-democratic" behaviour, and cannot accept that Parliament becomes a political tribunal in which government can diminish, attack and demonise the Opposition, instead of acting with a sense of responsibility.

Grech said the Opposition will be leaving Parliament in a clear protest against a "fascist and vindictive motion confirming government's abuse of our Parliament," adding that it will not let government threaten the country.

Grech also appealed for Parliament to be a political forum where members discuss, in decorum, how the citizens' lives can be better, and not attack members of the Opposition just as the Prime Minister had by calling Aquilina a "clown."

Grech said that the Opposition will not partake throughout the entire debate, and walked out of the room.

PL MP Carmelo Abela replaced Farrugia as Speaker, given that Deputy Speaker David Agius also left the room.

Labour Whip Naomi Cachia condemned the Opposition's "deplorable and arrogant" behaviour which she said does not reflect positively to the people which they represent.

She expressed solidarity and support with the Speaker, who she said is known to always carry out his duties independently, irrespective from one side of the other.

Cachia said no Member in Parliament should use improper and offensive words against another Member, and condemned Aquilina for going to the extreme in his words and actions, so much that he had told Farrugia he would only leave Parliament if the police came to escort him out.

Cachia continued that the Speaker also had to suspend Parliament sittings several times due to the lack of respect.

"The lack of respect towards institutions must stop once and for all, and I call on the Opposition Leader to deplore and condemn Aquilina," Cachia said, adding that the government side supports the Speaker's correct work.

PL statement

The PL said in a statement that the people witnessed a weak opposition leader who is incapable of making decisions. "We now have a clear confirmation: Bernard Grech and the Nationalist Parliamentary Group cannot in any way stop Karol Aquilina from the extremism he wants the Opposition to lead with."

"Therefore, Bernard Grech's only remaining option was to abdicate from his responsibility and walk out of Parliament.  An opposition mired in chaos and confusion. Between the politics of hatred and the  politics that abhors hatred, Bernard Grech and the Nationalist MPs chose Karol Aquilina's hate politics."

"Today, Bernard Grech and all Nationalist MPs certified Karol Aquilina as the true leader of the Nationalist Party. A weak Bernard Grech has officially handed over the PN leadership keys to Karol Aquilina. Karol Aquilina has now become the PN, and the PN has become Karol Aquilina," the PL said.