In the absence of Anġlu Farrugia, who has been unwell for the past week, Labour MP and former minister Michael Farrugia has been appointed as the acting speaker.

This temporary assignment will continue until parliament's summer recess, it was announced in parliament on Monday.

The decision to designate Michael Farrugia as a reserve speaker was made after a motion filed by Labour whip Andy Ellul on Monday. The motion received approval from both the Labour Party and the Nationalist Party, ensuring cross-party support for the appointment. The motion allows Farrugia to assume the role of acting speaker if the deputy speaker, David Agius of the PN (Nationalist Party), is unable to perform his duties. Presently, Agius is presiding over the House during Anglu Farrugia's absence.

Last week, David Agius announced that Anglu Farrugia had been admitted to the hospital for treatment, prompting expressions of solidarity and well wishes from MPs across the political spectrum.

Anglu Farrugia's absence was also noticed during the annual Sette Giugno event last week. On that occasion, David Agius read Farrugia's speech in his stead, emphasizing the shared commitment to maintaining continuity in parliamentary proceedings.