Prime Minister Robert Abela is set to nominate Carmelo Abela as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives when Malta’s 15th Legislature officially begins next Saturday, according to a press release issued earlier today.The veteran Labour politician, who was first elected to parliament in 1996, will be proposed for one of the country’s highest constitutional offices through a motion tabled by the Prime Minister.Abela brings decades of parliamentary experience to the role. Over the years, he has served as Deputy Speaker, Government Whip and minister in several portfolios, including Home Affairs, National Security, Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Prime Minister.In a move paving the way for his appointment, Carmelo Abela has informed the Electoral Commission that he will be relinquishing the parliamentary seat he won from the Third District in last month’s election.The nomination marks a new chapter in Abela’s long political career, which has seen him elected to parliament at every general election since 1996.Meanwhile, the government paid tribute to outgoing Speaker Dr Anġlu Farrugia, thanking him for what it described as his “impeccable service” during three consecutive legislatures in the role.If approved by parliament, Carmelo Abela will take over leadership of the House of Representatives, one of the country’s most important democratic institutions.What do you make of this?•