Robert Abela to propose Carmelo Abela as Speaker of the House

Robert Abela is set to propose appointing Carmelo Abela Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The former home affairs and foreign affairs minister was successfully re-elected on Saturday in District 3. He has been a Member of Parliament since 1996. Abela has also served as Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister.

Abela served as deputy House Speaker between 2003 and 2010 and was subsequently PL whip during the twelfth legislature. 

Abela recently faced allegations by former PN MP Jason Azzopardi that he was linked to a failed armed robbery at HSBC Qormi in 2010. He alleged that Abela had received a €300,000 payment for his role in the plot.

Abela had “absolutely and categorically” denied any involvement in the robbery.

He had filed proceedings against Azzopardi over the matter and in 2024 won the libel suit, with the court awarding him €7,000 in damages.

File photo of Anglu Farrugia.

His appointment would end Anġlu Farrugia's 13-year term as Speaker - the longest in Malta's parliamentary history.  

Farrugia was first elected Speaker in April 2013. He was subsequently elected Speaker in the 13th and 14th legislatures.

The Constitution allows parliament to appoint a Speaker either from among sitting MPs or from outside the House.

While Farrugia was not a sitting MP during his time as Speaker, others, such as Michael Frendo, have been.

The main role of the Speaker is to ensure order during sittings of the House and that the parliamentary rules are respected. 

The Speaker may also be requested to give rulings on issues about the application of these Standing Orders. The Speaker does not have an original vote but has a casting vote in the event that there is a tie in a vote in the House.

They preside over the Standing Committee on House Business, the Standing Committee on Privileges and any other Committee as directed by Parliament.