The 'Speech from the throne' - Government wants new chapter in Maltese political history

The 12th legislature since Independence opened today, with the government promising in the President's 'Speech from the Throne' that it will usher in a new chapter in Malta's political history. The ceremony started with Mass of the Holy Spirit at St John's Co-Cathedral. The MPs then walked to the Palace, applauded by people who stood behind police barriers in Republic Street. In Parliament, proceedings started with the nomination and swearing in of the new Speaker (see separate story) and the swearing in of the MPs. The government's programme was outlined in a 24-page speech read by President George Abela. In the speech, the government said the time of pique, partisan politics and arrogance in the government and all levels of the administration must become a thing of the past. It also promised to keep in constant touch with the ordinary people and to work in serenity for the country's progress. As it the norm, the address was mostly a reproduction of the governing party's electoral programme. The government said its immediate priority was to move the Budget for this year. It had also started working intensively on its energy plan with a view to converting power generation at the...