No decision has as yet been taken on the location of the Valletta monti stalls outside the new Parliament building, Speaker of the House of Representatives Anglu Farrugia said today.

Speaking at the launch of open days at the new home of parliamentarians, Dr Farrugia said that correspondence and exchange of ideas is taking place between the Speaker’s office and the government, but so far no decision has been taken.

The government wants to relocate the monti from its present site in Merchants Street to Ordnance Street, spilling over to the side between the new parliament building and the open theatre. This has led to political controversy, with the government bound by a pre-election promise to relocate the hawkers to the entrance of the capital city.

There was also a huge debate on the design of the monti stalls, with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat having to intervene to withdraw the stalls as originally planned.

The Speaker, flanked by PN Whip David Agius and PL Whip Godfrey Farrugia, explained that security in the new Parliament is very important, hence the large number of police in the vicinity. He said that the number of police was agreed upon with the Police Commissioner and that a presence is also kept overnight. He expressed concern over youths who roam in the vicinity.

As for why his car was parked right next to Parliament, the Speaker explained that he had permission from Transport Malta and that it is customary for the Speaker's car to be parked in Parliament. He said, however, that should Transport Malta ask to move location he will not have an issue as he is not "conservative".

The open days, he said, will be on 6th and 7th June, were the public will be able to enter through the Administration building and view the offices from the outside (weather permitting), view the strangers gallery, the press area etc. In addition, in the foyer an exhibition showing the history of democracy in Malta will be shown through photos, dating as far back as 1815.

On Saturday 6th June, the book "Winning peoples' hearts" will be launched in Parliament, which surrounds democracy in Malta. It will also contain a study on the 2013 elections, including information regarding social inclusion and exclusion.

In addition, he also explained prisoners will be the first to view Parliament and will also set up an exhibition of their work.

He explained that the usual 7th June celebrations will take place on the 5th.

Opening times:

6th June - 9am to 4pm.

7th June - 9am to 1pm.