PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER “We reclaim the Mediterranean as a space not of fragmentation, but of fusion” – Speaker Anġlu Farrugia

Speaker of the House of Representatives Anġlu Farrugia welcomed the cultural exhibition 'Palermo rifiorisce con Santa Rosalia – Palermo Blooms with Santa Rosalia' to the Parliament of Malta, celebrating the historic and spiritual ties between Malta and Sicily.

In his address, Speaker Farrugia reflected on the shared Mediterranean identity of the two islands, stating: “This is not merely art hung upon walls. What we unveil today is a shared story – a testimony to the soul of a people, and a bridge between two islands."

He honoured Santa Rosalia as a symbol of unity and renewal, noting that “even saints can cross seas, that faith can travel without passports, and that the same rose that blooms in Palermo can offer its fragrance in Valletta." The exhibition marks a cultural moment of reconnection, echoing the Speaker's call, “We reclaim the Mediterranean as a space not of fragmentation, but of fusion. Of shared stories and mutual recognition." Prior to the opening of the exhibition, Speaker Farrugia received the Mayor of Palermo, Prof. Roberto Lagalla, at the Parliament of Malta. The meeting reaffirmed the strong cultural and institutional links between the two Mediterranean cities and set the tone for the shared celebration of heritage.

The conference was also addressed by Ambassador of Italy to Malta Fabrizio Romano, Carmelo Abela, Carmel Azzopardi, Mayor of Palermo Prof. Roberto Lagalla, and Mayor of Valletta Olaf Mackay. Also present for the occasion was the Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, Owen Bonnici.

Prior to the opening of the exhibition, Speaker Farrugia received the Mayor of Palermo, Prof. Roberto Lagalla, at the Parliament of Malta. The meeting reaffirmed the strong cultural and institutional links between the two Mediterranean cities and set the tone for the shared celebration of heritage.