SPEAKER CARMELO ABELA PLEDGES STRONGER PARLIAMENT-MEDIA RELATIONSHIP

Speaker of the House of Representatives Carmelo Abela has pledged to strengthen cooperation between Parliament and the media through regular dialogue, better coordination and initiatives to make journalists’ work easier.

The commitment was made during a meeting with the new Council of the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM), led by President Nicole Meilak.

Abela stressed the importance of free, professional and responsible journalism to a strong democracy. He said he intends to organise meetings with editors and newsroom journalists, as well as information sessions to give the media a better understanding of Parliament’s functions and procedures.

The IĠM welcomed the initiative and raised concerns about the press point, where journalists interview MPs, as well as the barricades surrounding the Parliament building.

Abela said he would explore ways to improve conditions for journalists and find a more suitable solution to the current barricades, while maintaining appropriate access controls.

He stressed that Parliament would remain accessible to the public, with visitors continuing to be able to attend sittings from the Strangers’ Gallery according to established procedures. Journalists will also retain the access required to carry out their work.

Both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining regular and constructive communication, with the shared aim of improving the relationship between Parliament and the media and ensuring that the public remains well informed about parliamentary affairs.

Photo : DOI Clifton Fenech

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