Speaker Anġlu Farrugia has been elected the first-ever chairman of the Small Branches of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

This election was held during the 35th Small Branches Conference held within the 62nd Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in London. 

Dr Farrugia spoke about the pressing need of small legislatures within the Commonwealth to come together, within their smallness, to address common difficulties and strengths and share experiences of their parliaments or legislative assemblies.

He stated that as a state in the Commonwealth, among other small countries, Malta learnt to appreciate the strengths of a small country - being flexible enough to be able to work with other parliaments, yet big enough to be influential.

He encouraged fellow Parliamentarians to be leaders in understanding their citizens and advocate in the best interest of their countries, both locally and on multilateral levels, especially in contemporary challenges such as youth unemployment, and the ever-increasing importance of combating terrorism.

Dr Farrugia was nominated for this role by Carmelo Abela as executive committee representative of the British Isles and Mediterranean Region, which nomination was seconded by the speakers of the Cook Islands and Montserrat respectively.

The election took place after three candidates originally submitted their candidature during the past months. According to the Constitution of the Commonwealth, Dr Farrugia will keep this post for the next three years.