Update: Speaking from the Cabinet Office this evening, Prime Minister, Lawrence Gonzi, said that he will hold a cabinet meeting tomorrow and will be calling on the President.

Dr Gonzi said he is proposing a dissolution of Parliament on the 7th of January with a General Eection to be held on the 9th of March 2013.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this evening replied to the speech made by the Opposition Leaderi Joseph Muscat, on Budget 2012.

The vote was taken immediately after his speech, Franco Debono voted against the Budget along with the Oppositon, with 35 votes against and 34 in favour. The Prime Minister now has three days to disolve Parliament and call a general election.

The Prime Minister said that after tonight’s vote, should the Budget not be approved, a general election will be called. He would visit the President in the morning to inform him when Parliament should be dissolved and when the election should be held.

Lawrence Gonzi concluded his two hour speech by thanking the people of Malta for their efforts and co-operation and courage through the difficult times that this legislature has faced. “Malta has the right footing for a bright future for all and the country should measure its success through its culture and not through the size of the country.”

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