We now have it from the horse’s mouth. Speaker Michael Frendo has stated clearly that he has “to abide by outdated regulations in Parliament”.

He added that the Chair had to follow the existing rules, even though he appreciated that they needed to be updated. “At present all the keys are in the Government’s hands,” he said.

So different from the rest of democratic Europe, alas.

This is the result of nearly half a century of two-party parliamentary rule, with half the country excluded from real participatory democracy.

Maltese voters can change this shameful reality by voting green at the next election. Or they can keep the status quo by voting for the usual two parties, or not voting at all.

The decision is in their hands.