The Budget debate will take three days next week - instead of the usual three weeks.

The Budget, which is expected to be the same as that presented by the PN government in November, will be presented by Finance Minister Edward Scicluna. He will not re-read the text but will speak on government policy.

The Leader of the Opposition will give his reply immediately (instead of after a week as usual) and the prime minister will then react. The first vote will then be taken.

The Budget will be considered by ministry in sittings on Tuesday and Wednesday, mornings and evenings, with the final vote being taken on Wednesday evening.

The Opposition has said it will vote in favour as long as there are no major departures from the November text. 

The government has said it will retain the same Budget other than for a small amendment to ensure that those on the minimum wage are not subject to income tax. The Labour MPs, joined by Franco Debono, voted against the Budget in November, bringing down the then government.

NEW PARLIAMENT

The new Parliament - the 12th since Independence - meets for the first time tomorrow morning when Anglu Farrugia will be sworn in as Speaker.

The Opposition has been invited to nominate a Deputy Speaker. The nomination is expected to be made today after a meeting of the PN parliamentary group. Censu Galea appears to be the favourite, having already served as Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees.

The Opposition has said it will vote against the nomination of Dr Farrugia to the Chair because it was not consulted about it.

After the swearing in of the Speaker on Saturday, the MPs will be sworn in and the President will then deliver the 'speech from the throne' outlining the government's programme.

The youngest MP on the government side, Ian Borg, will give notice of a motion to thank the President.

The opening of parliament will be preceded by 'Mass of the Holy Spirit' at St John's Co-Cathedral.