It is unfortunate that the reference to the Head of State as President of the Republic has become widespread.

This error seems to originate in the mindless aping of certain foreign designations, notably from Italy, where the Head of State is called Presidente della Repubblica to distinguish him from the head of government, who is the Presidente del Consiglio dei Ministri (President of the Council of Ministers).

In Malta, Chapter V of the Constitution is very clear as to the official designation of the Head of State. It is the President or President of Malta.

It is unfortunate that this mistaken terminology has been taken up with gusto not only by certain politicians but also some journalists.

Another mistake is continual confusion of the terms Parliament and House of Representatives in the media and now also on the official website www.parliament.gov.mt. Since Parliament is composed of the President and the House of Representatives, the House is only one component of Parliament. It follows that when the House rises for its Christmas recess, Parliament remains in session as it has been since last April, and will remain so until it is prorogued or dissolved.

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