Sources close to Times of Malta revealed that the opening of parliament is scheduled for the 7th of May. This is six weeks after the March general election, with the ceremonial sitting serving to elect the Speaker of the House.
The head of state will read from the speakers chair an address written by the prime minister to set out the governmental programme. Initial reports speculated that Prime Minister Robert Abela had chosen former minister for the elderly Michael Farrugia as the next speaker.
However, Farrugia informed Times of Malta that he had not been offered the role. He has still not ruled it out completely, saying that if it were to come his way, he has the experience and energy to take on the position.
Meanwhile, lawyer Andy Ellul, now parliamentary secretary for social dialogue, is expected to be the whip of the Labour parliamentary group. Ellul did not answer questions on his appointment.
President George Vella is expected to chart the way forward of this 14th legislature.
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