Malta's opposition is calling for early elections after the government lost its one-seat majority in parliament when a lawmaker resigned from the Nationalist Party, AP reported. Lawmaker Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando said Friday he will continue to support the government on the implementation of its election program, and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi expressed determination to govern until the end of the term next year. The opposition Labour Party insists the situation adds to instability in the eurozone island-nation, with leader Joseph Muscat urging Gonzi to call an early election. Pullicino Orlando resigned Thursday night after the party executive committee rejected his call to expel Malta's former ambassador to the European Union. Parliament is now made up as follows: Nationalist Party 34, Labour Party 34, and Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando on his own. -- SPA
