The Government talks a lot, but acts very differently in practice, the PN said in a statement.

"In its latest  arrogant move, the Government has decided to suspend Parliamentary work today, Monday, and tomorrow, Tuesday. The Government's lack of respect for the highest institution in the country has once again become evident, as it irresponsibly and unilaterally decided not to convene Parliament," the PN said in a statement signed by the Opposition Whip Robert Cutajar and Assistant Whip Paula Mifsud Bonnici

"The Government's arrogance and disrespect towards the highest institution and the people it represents has reached unprecedented levels. The Government continues to confirm that it has no serious plan for Parliamentary work and is even bringing Parliament into disrepute by turning it into a farce."

"Today, we have a Government that continues to completely ignore the country's real interests. Despite there being 17 Opposition motions pending before Parliament, the Government still chose not to convene Parliament, in a blatantly arrogant attempt to silence the Opposition."

"The Government, which is supposed to go to the highest institution in the country to work for the people, felt more comfortable sending its Ministers and MPs home rather than ensuring their attendance in Parliament to debate laws aimed at improving the quality of life of the Maltese and Gozitans."

This attitude of arrogance towards the Opposition and towards the people - an arrogance which today has become the hallmark of this Government - is unacceptable, the PN said.

"This is not the Government the Maltese and Gozitan people deserve," it said.

An Opposition that continuously disrespects Parliament cannot be taken seriously - PL

In response, the PL said that recently the Opposition disrespected Parliament and the Speaker of the House, drawing widespread condemnation and criticism from all quarters.

"One of its MPs, Karol Aquilina, was consistently disrespectful towards the Speaker. His parliamentary colleagues, instead of admonishing him, supported him further, disrespecting the House and the Speaker in the process. Now, the same Opposition party that showed huge disrespect towards Parliament is trying to point out accusing fingers towards the government."

"However, the Opposition's disrespect towards Parliament isn't just in the behaviour of its MPs in the House but also in their lack of participation in parliamentary business and the apathy they often demonstrate," the PL said.

"As of mid-June, on Thursdays, the procedural period began during which the opposition could put through its private motions. This begs the question: Why is the opposition not using this day for its private motions and expects the government to do so?"

"Could it be the case that a leaderless opposition, ridden with internal dissent, cannot bring itself to prioritize its motions since it is afraid of pitting one faction against the other within its ranks? With the PN in chaos, the government remains focused and determined to legislate in the best interest of the people," the PL said.