Renzo Piano’s office has played down problems over lack of space for MPs to stand in the new Chamber of Parliament and says MPs can move to the new Parliament House next month.

Architect Antonio Belvedere, who is coordinating the works, described the issue of larger-than-needed desks as “a storm in a teacup created by politicians”.

“We have constructed a building Malta has never seen before.

“It was so complicated and we dedicated a lot of our time to see that all was done in the best possible way despite many obstacles. Instead of seeing stories about how the building is transforming Valletta’s entrance, we read in newspapers about oversized desks,” the irate Mr Belvedere said.

Asked whether it was true that the desks were too big and if this was a result of a design problem, he said there was “absolutely no problem” with the design and this was just an issue of MPs wanting to be more comfortable. 

To him this was a trivial matter, which was already being resolved by adapting the wooden furniture.

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In a reaction today, the Office of the Speaker said it completely disagreed with Mr Belvere's claim that here was absolutely no problem” with the design and this was just an issue of MPs wanting to be more comfortable.

"Modifications were requested because when the first seats and desks were installed, it transpired that the seats and desks were so close to each other that a Member simply could not rise in his place to address the House, a requirement which stems out from the Standing Orders of the House," the Office said.

Furthermore, while Mr Belvedere claimed that the issue could have been solved if MPs moved slightly laterally when standing up to address the House, this proposal, when tried, was  immediately found to be totally unsuitable due to the limited space available.

"The business conducted in the parliamentary chamber is most certainly the core business of any parliament and therefore needs to be given its due attention from all aspects," the Office said.

 

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