PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER Right of reply by the Office of the Speaker

The Speaker has taken note of the press release of the PN Parliamentary Group issued earlier today, and its subsequent reporting in the local media.

Regarding the questioning of the impartiality of the Speaker, the Speaker deems it imperative to reaffirm his unwavering commitment to upholding the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives of Malta. The role of the Speaker is to ensure order, fairness, and adherence to parliamentary procedures, and any allegations suggesting otherwise are entirely unfounded.

The Speaker's decisions are not arbitrary but are rooted in the Standing Orders and the principle of precedent, which govern parliamentary conduct. His rulings on procedural matters, including the acceptance or rejection of motions for urgent debates, are based on well-established parliamentary principles that have been consistently applied, in the same way that these were applied by other Speakers before him.

Recent claims questioning the Speaker's impartiality, particularly regarding his decisions on urgent debates, fail to acknowledge the legal and procedural framework that guide these rulings.

In this regard it is also pertinent to note than the Standing Orders of the House provide that any decision made by the Speaker, including that regarding requests for urgent debates, can be formally contested within 2 days of giving such decision. Despite this democratic provision, no formal contestation of the Speaker's rulings was made.

Beyond procedural rulings, the Speaker is also responsible for maintaining order during parliamentary sittings. This includes taking necessary measures against members who defy the authority of the Chair or disrupt proceedings. Such actions are not politically motivated but are essential to uphold the discipline and decorum expected in Parliament.

The Speaker notes that he has consistently demonstrated an impartial and fair approach to his duties, ensuring that Parliament remains a space of constructive debate and legislative progress, and that any criticism should be measured against the fact that his rulings always indicate clearly the legal provisions and/or precedent they are based on.

In his rulings the Speaker has often shared concerns raised by MPs requesting rulings for the Chair, arguing however that he is bound to observe the rules which regulate parliamentary work. In several instances, such as with regard to replies to parliamentary questions, he has appealed to both sides of the House to take forward the process of the revision of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives, during which process many of these concerns can be addressed.

At a time when political discourse should focus on substantive issues affecting the nation, the Speaker remains resolute in safeguarding his role as a neutral arbiter with a firm commitment to democratic principles.