The new parliament building will be inaugurated by President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca after all, despite Joseph Muscat having once said that a Labour government would invite Lawrence Gonzi to open this “monument to extravagance”.
Dr Muscat made the remark in Parliament in December of 2012, days before the PN government headed by Dr Gonzi was defeated on a crucial Budget vote and the prime minister was forced to call an election.
Replying to the 2013 Budget speech, the then Opposition leader had lashed out at the PN administration, accusing it of squandering taxpayers’ money on the new parliament building.
“We do not want to have anything to do with this project, and if we are trusted [to lead the country], I seriously reiterate my invitation for Dr Gonzi to inaugurate this monument to extravagance,” Dr Muscat said.
The Labour Opposition had criticised this project – designed by world renowned architect Renzo Piano – as an unnecessary and “narcissistic” one. Originally estimated to cost €80 million, the City Gate project, which also includes the new Valletta entrance and the open-air theatre, has gone way over budget and was plagued by delays.
The original completion deadline was October 2012 but even as late as last October, the planned official opening was called off at the last minute.
Though many had taken Dr Muscat’s remark with a pinch of salt, last month’s decision to invite Dr Gonzi to the inauguration of the interconnector – which was also started under his watch – had prompted suggestions that the Prime Minister might go ahead and keep his word. However, the Speaker’s Office has confirmed that the inauguration of the new building on May 4 will be done by the President in a 90-minute ceremony.
At 3.30pm, MPs will meet for the last time in front of the main door of the parliamentary chamber at the Presidential Palace, which has been in use since 1976.
Speaker Anġlu Farrugia will then lead them past the Tapestry Chamber where Parliament had met since its inception in 1921.
AFM guard to present the key
This will be followed by a symbolic ceremony in which an Armed Forces guard will present the key of the parliamentary chamber to a police guard, signifying the handover of security responsibility in the new building.
The Speaker will then lead MPs along Republic Street towards the new Parliament, where they will greet the President. The Speaker and the President will both make a short address.
After being presented with the key to the parliamentary chamber by a police guard, the Speaker will accompany Dr Coleiro Preca, the Prime Minister, the Opposition leader and other distinguished guests to the foyer of the new building.
The ceremony will come to an end at 5pm with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by the President and the official blessing by Archbishop Charles Scicluna.
Following a reception, MPs will take part in the first plenary session in the new chamber, scheduled for 6pm.