The unanimous approval of Carmelo Abela as Speaker of the House of Representatives and Bernard Grech as Deputy Speaker was an encouraging display of political maturity. It showed that despite the inevitable disagreements that accompany democratic politics, there remain areas where government and opposition can find common ground in the national interest.

The contrast with the beginning of the previous legislature is striking. Four years ago, the Opposition had voted against Anglu Farrugia's appointment as Speaker. This time, however, the Nationalist Party chose a different approach, supporting a candidate put forward by the government. Such decisions may not attract the same attention as political clashes, but they are important indicators of a healthier parliamentary culture.

The choice of Carmelo Abela also appears to have been carefully considered. While he served as a Labour MP for three decades and held several ministerial positions, he has generally been regarded as a moderate figure within the political landscape. More importantly, he has chosen to resign his parliamentary seat upon assuming the Speakership.

He was under no obligation to do so. Speakers have in the past retained their parliamentary seats while occupying the role. Yet by stepping down as an MP, Abela has sent a clear message that he intends to separate himself from partisan politics and fully embrace the neutrality required by his office.

That decision matters. The Speaker occupies one of the most sensitive constitutional positions in the country. The office demands impartiality not only in practice but also in perception. Had Abela remained an MP, questions would inevitably have lingered about where his loyalties lay. By resigning, he has removed that concern and given himself greater freedom to act independently when difficult decisions arise.

History will ultimately judge his tenure not on the speeches delivered during his appointment but on the rulings he makes and the standards he enforces. Some of those decisions will undoubtedly prove controversial. A Speaker cannot please everyone. The test of the office lies in applying the rules fairly, consistently and without fear or favour.

Abela's inaugural address suggested that he understands the magnitude of the challenge ahead. His emphasis on dignity, mutual respect, responsible conduct and disciplined debate touched on issues that have long plagued parliamentary proceedings.

Too often in recent years, sittings have degenerated into disorderly exchanges that do little to enhance the reputation of the country's highest democratic institution. Heated debate is an essential feature of democracy. Personal attacks, insults and behaviour that resembles a political battleground rather than a legislative chamber are not.

Parliament should be the place where ideas compete, policies are scrutinised, and governments are held accountable. It should not be a venue for theatrical confrontations designed primarily for social media clips or evening news headlines. The public deserves better from those elected to represent them.

This is why Abela's statement that words should be free but disciplined is particularly significant. Freedom of expression is fundamental, but it must be accompanied by responsibility. Robust disagreement should be encouraged; personal hostility should not.

The Speaker alone cannot transform parliamentary culture. That responsibility belongs to every member of the House. Government and opposition alike must recognise that they serve the same people, even when advocating different visions for the country.

The new legislature has begun on the right foot. The consensus shown in appointing both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker is a positive start. The challenge now is to ensure that this spirit of cooperation and respect extends beyond the opening session and becomes a defining feature of parliamentary life over the next five years.

For the sake of Malta's democracy, one hopes that Parliament becomes known not for its confrontations but for the quality of its debate, the seriousness of its work, and its commitment to the national interest.