The 11th Parliament since Independence opens this morning with the President's speech, which lays out the government's programme for the next five years.

The government has nominated former Education Minister Louis Galea as Speaker.

After the prayer is said and the proclamation summoning Parliament is read, the Acting Clerk of the House will read the results of the general and casual elections. This will be followed by the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. The 69 members will then take their oath or make an affirmation of allegiance.

The President will then address the House, listing the reasons for which the House has been summoned.

Notice would then be given for a motion replying to the President's speech. This is traditionally made by the youngest government MP, who in this legislature is lawyer Franco Debono.

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