Prime Minister Robert Abela is set to formally propose Carmelo Abela as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives when the 15th legislature of the Maltese Parliament convenes this coming Saturday, the government said Tuesday.
The nomination was widely anticipated soon after the election.
Abela will be resigning as an MP soon after taking up the role of Speaker. He could have technically stayed on as an MP, but this would have reduced Labour's majority in the House of Representatives. Once he resigns, a casual election could be held to replace him on District 3, from where he was elected. Conversely, the PL could co-opt someone in his stead.
Carmelo Abela, who was first elected to Parliament in 1996 and has successfully contested every general election since, brings extensive experience to the role, the government said.
His career includes serving as Deputy Speaker between 2003 and 2010, acting as Government Whip, and holding various ministerial portfolios, including Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion, and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister.
In preparation for this nomination, he has already informed the Electoral Commission that he will be vacating his parliamentary seat on the third electoral district.
In announcing the nomination, Prime Minister Robert Abela expressed his confidence in Carmelo Abela's ability to lead the country's highest institution.
The Government also extended its gratitude to Dr Anġlu Farrugia for his dedicated service as Speaker of the House over the past three consecutive legislatures. Farrugia has held the role for a record 13 years.
The Labour Party, in a statement, welcomed with satisfaction the news that Prime Minister Robert Abela will be nominating Carmelo Abela for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Abela will begin serving as Speaker of the 15th legislature, and will consequently vacate his parliamentary seat, after he was elected from the third district in the general election, the PL said.
While congratulating Carmelo Abela, the Labour Party also thanks Anġlu Farrugia, who has served as Speaker of the House of Representatives for the past 13 years - a period during which several necessary reforms were implemented, further elevating the work and function of the country's highest institution.