Speaker says citizens should have right to reply when aggrieved by MPs’ statements
Speaker of the House Anglu Farrugia has reiterated his wish to introduce a citizen’s right of reply which, he says, would bring people closer to the country’s highest institution and also keep MPs more accountable.
Speaking at the Sette Giugno commemoration, Farrugia said Parliament should serve as a place where one can debate freely in the national interest but MPs should be exemplary to the people they represent.
Farrugia said parliamentary privilege should not be abused. The Speaker said he had already said in the past that the time had come to start looking at models that address this issue.
“Much remains to be done to continue improving the level of transparency and accountability of each and every one of us towards the people we represent. For instance, I believe that the time has come to address issues which arise when citizens feel aggrieved by statements made about them in Parliament, and to establish a mechanism which grants citizens a right of redress. This obviously needs to be done without impinging on parliamentary rights and privileges, since these are intended to allow Members of Parliament to speak without fear.
I believe that by granting this right, we would be bringing the citizen closer to Parliament because we would be tangibly providing them with the means to voice their concerns in the highest Institution. At the same time, we would be showing him that the Members of Parliament are ready to be more accountable because this step in itself should serve as a means of control in respect of those who abuse their parliamentary privileges.”
“I believe that it is high time that the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives was revised in order to provide a remedy for those citizens who feel aggrieved by the abuse of parliamentary privilege.”
A few weeks ago, PN MP Jason Azzopardi was accused of abusing his parliamentary privilege when he named a police sergeant who, the MP claimed, had tipped off the men accused of Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder about the impending arrest. The police denied the allegation.
Farrugia also spoke about the child care project, adding that plans to introduce the service are at an advanced stage awaiting a Planning Authority permit so that this service is made available in the vicinity of the Parliament building.
“A recent survey carried out among parliamentary members and staff has indicated that there is a demand for this facility. Efforts are underway to find a viable alternative until this project is completed and permits are duly issued,” Farrugia said.
“A Parliament that aims to remain relevant in this day and age has to adopt a proactive approach in order to efficiently address the needs and expectations of Members of Parliament and the public. Failing to do so means that we would not be fulfilling our functions in the best way possible.”