In Australia, a political scandal is raging around former Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Reason: during the corona pandemic, the conservative politician had secretly held five other ministerial posts in addition to his position as head of government – without informing the public or his cabinet. Since the news broke in August, there have been repeated calls for Morrison to publicly apologize and withdraw from parliament. On Wednesday, Parliament voted against him – by 86 votes to 50 – confidence in him.
Australian broadcaster ABC reported that the vote of no confidence was merely “a symbolic act” with no legal ramifications. The newspaper “Sydney Morning Herald” nevertheless described the vote as “historic”: Morrison was the first former prime minister to express confidence in parliament, it said.
Morrison had again rejected an apology in the previous debate. Morrison said he will not apologize for taking action to save people and their livelihoods during a national crisis.
From March 2020 to May 2021, Morrison had taken control of health, finance and home affairs, among other things, while Australia’s borders were closed and the country cut off from the rest of the world. He informed only a few confidants about the move. The assumption of additional offices was approved in writing by the Governor General. Almost all actual ministers were unaware that they were effectively sharing their post with Morrison.
Morrison’s successor, Anthony Albanese, who has been in office since May, accused him on Wednesday of “pride, arrogance and denial” and stressed that he expected his predecessor to have at least “a semblance of remorse”. Shortly after the scandal broke, Albanese described the proceedings as an “unprecedented destruction of democracy”.
A former Supreme Court judge was then asked to investigate the matter and prepare a detailed report. She concluded a few days ago that Morrison’s actions had “undermined confidence in the government” and recommended closing loopholes. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
