Carmelo Abela Expected to Become Malta's Next Speaker

Prime Minister Robert Abela is expected to nominate Carmelo Abela as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives, a move that, if approved by Parliament, would end Anġlu Farrugia's 13-year tenure — the longest unbroken Speakership since Malta's independence. The nomination became apparent through a telling absence. Carmelo Abela was among MPs summoned as Robert Abela assembled his new Cabinet following last Saturday's general election, but when the list of ministers and parliamentary secretaries was published, his name was not on it.

The omission made the Prime Minister's intentions clear enough. Abela brings considerable institutional experience to the role. First elected in 1996 from the Third Electoral District — where he was again returned last Saturday — he has sat in Parliament continuously for three decades.

He served as Deputy Speaker between 2003 and 2010 and as Labour Party whip during the Twelfth Legislature, before going on to hold several senior Cabinet positions: he headed the Home Affairs portfolio covering National Security and Law Enforcement, led the Foreign Affairs brief, and served in the Office of the Prime Minister. One episode cast a shadow over part of that career.

Former PN MP Jason Azzopardi made allegations linking Carmelo Abela to the failed 2010 armed robbery at HSBC Qormi. Abela consistently denied the claims and filed libel proceedings. A court ruled in his favour in 2024, awarding him €7,000 in damages.

The Speaker's duties include maintaining order during parliamentary proceedings, ensuring Standing Orders are observed, and issuing procedural rulings. The Speaker also chairs the Standing Committee on House Business, the Standing Committee on Privileges, and any other committees assigned by the House. The Speaker does not ordinarily vote but may exercise a casting vote when a division ends in a tie.

Farrugia first took the chair in April 2013 and was reconfirmed at the start of both the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Legislatures, a continuous run without precedent in the post since independence. He held the role without being an elected MP — one of two options the Constitution allows. Malta's Constitution permits the Speaker to be drawn either from among sitting members or from outside the House entirely.

Former Speaker Michael Frendo chaired proceedings while retaining his parliamentary seat. Carmelo Abela, having just won re-election from the Third Electoral District, would follow that precedent. Parliamentary approval is still required, and until that vote is taken the appointment remains anticipated rather than confirmed.