Bernard Grech nominated as deputy speaker by the Opposition

Nationalist MP Bernard Grech has been nominated as deputy speaker of the House of Representatives by Alex Borg. His appointment is set to take effect on Saturday during the first parliamentary sitting of the new legislature.

The decision comes after Prime Minister Robert Abela nominated former Labour MP Carmelo Abela as Speaker. Abela was elected in the election but has resigned his seat following his nomination as Speaker.

The motions to approve the new Speaker and his deputy will be voted upon on Saturday, when parliament convenes for the first time after the election.

Meanwhile, the Nationalist Party said in a statement on Friday that MPs Toni Bezzina and Annabelle Cilia were appointed assistant Whips of the parliamentary group. Earlie this week, Borg appointed Ivan Castillo as Whip of the parliamentary group.

The PN congratulated Grech, Bezzina and Cilia, saying it looked forward to continuing its work as a "responsible, constructive and determined Opposition that gives a voice to Maltese and Gozitan citizens".

The party also wished all elected MPs success in their work throughout the legislature, ahead of the oath of allegiance that will be taken on Saturday morning.