The Maltese Parliament urgently needs to be “empowered” to be able to carry out its duties in the context of the Lisbon Treaty, Speaker Michael Frendo said yesterday in a speech to commemorate what is famously known as the Sette Giugno uprising.

The 7 June 1919 insurrection had been sparked by post-World War II inflation and a hike in the price of bread.

The 1919 bread riots paved the way for the UK to grant Malta political and administrative autonomy in 1921, which was followed by the setting up of a legislative assembly.

On the day, four men, Manwel Attard, Guzi Bajada, Wenzu Dyer and Karmenu Abela, were shot dead by British troops.

Two other men, Cikku Darmanin and Toni Caruana died at the hospital the following day, and about 50 others were injured in the uprising.

Yesterday’s commemoration was held at Hastings Garden for the first time, since the Sette Giugno monument was recently set up there. The monument had been removed from its original place in front of the Palace in Valletta following the regeneration of St George’s Square.

The commemoration started off at 9.30am, when the police band marched from St George’s Square to Hastings.

The Speaker’s speech followed; the Last Post was played and a minute’s silence was observed before the Reveille was played. Wreaths were then laid at the foot of the monument by the Speaker, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, MPs and representatives of various constituted bodies.

Next year, the country celebrates the 90th anniversary since Parliament was set up. Dr Frendo said that as the country commemorates the supreme sacrifice of the men who died during the 1919 uprising, it needs to focus on truly strengthening Parliament and make sure its role is relevant, effective and intimately linked to the country’s political, economic and social developments.

He pointed out that Parliament’s role needs to be distinguished from the role of the executive. The role of MPs needs to be better defined, valued and strengthened, said Dr Frendo.

Referring to the debate regarding the new Parliament building, Dr Frendo said it is clear that on a general level, people do not really appreciate what goes on in Parliament, and the work that MPs carry out.

He expressed disappointment that some still doubt whether Parliament needs to be housed in a building of its own, 91 years after the Sette Giugno uprising, 46 years after Malta gained independence from Britain and 36 years after it became a republic.

“We need to value the work that takes place in Parliament. We cannot give the impression that Parliament is a fighting arena for politicians. We need to pass on the message, the real message, that there is consensus on the majority of laws that go through the parliamentary process.

“It is only natural to have lively and controversial debates, but there are also moments of national unity.”

Dr Frendo spoke about the need for Parliament to connect with the people via different media, not only the radio. Parliamentary work needs to be in sync with societal developments, he said, adding that Parliament requires a capacity building exercise similar to the one carried out in the executive before the country joined the EU.

Speaking about the Lisbon Treaty, he said this was meant to strengthen national parliaments, but it has made no effective difference to the Maltese Parliament so far.

“This is simply because we are not prepared well enough. It is now urgent to take all the necessary measures to empower Parliament to carry out its duties in the context of the Lisbon Treaty. It is time to make another quality leap.

“Parliamentary work needs to become more professional and needs to have the necessary infrastructural support, but it also requires political passion.”