Published: 11:44 AM, 10 September 2026
Anglu Farrugia Wins Commonwealth Lifetime Achievement Award
Malta’s longest-serving Speaker Anglu Farrugia, in office from April 2013 until April 2026, Farrugia will formally receive the honour during the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town next week. AA
Former Speaker of Maltese Parliament An?lu Farrugia is to receive the Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award for his “long-standing contribution to parliamentary democracy”.
Malta’s longest-serving speaker, in office from April 2013 until April 2026, Farrugia will formally receive the honour during the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town next week.
The award recognizes Farrugia’s “distinguished parliamentary career and long-standing contribution to parliamentary democracy, good governance and public service”.
The judging panel said it was “particularly impressed” by his record as a parliamentarian, his contribution to strengthening democratic institutions and good governance, and the “lasting impact of your work within parliament and across the Commonwealth”.
Farrugia is the first Maltese politician to receive the award.
Speaking to Times of Malta, Farrugia said being the first Maltese recipient “meant a lot” to him and was “an honour”.
“I really appreciate that at the end of my tenure I am being recognized internationally,” Farrugia said.
During his 13 years in the chair, Farrugia delivered 288 rulings, presided over major institutional reforms, strengthened Parliament’s administrative and financial autonomy, widened its committee structure, supported Parliament TV as a free-to-air service, and promoted parliamentary discipline, accessibility and public accountability.
Internationally, he was the first chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Small Branches, led its first strategic planning process, advanced the Valletta Strategy and climate resilience program, and supported the development of Commonwealth public accounts cooperation.
Within the Inter-Parliamentary Union, he served as president of the Committee to Promote Respect for International Humanitarian Law and as a member of the task force on the peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine.
As a member of the European Union, Malta plays an important role in shaping European policies despite being one of the bloc's smallest member states. The Maltese Parliament has a significant responsibility in ensuring that the country's national interests are represented within the EU while contributing to the development of common European policies.
Malta joined the European Union in 2004, marking a major turning point in its political and economic development. Since then, the Maltese Parliament has worked to align national legislation with EU laws and standards. Parliamentary committees examine proposed European legislation and assess its possible effects on Malta before the government takes positions in EU negotiations.
Another important responsibility is parliamentary oversight of the government's European affairs. Members of Parliament can question ministers about decisions taken at EU institutions and examine the government's approach to European policies. This helps promote transparency and democratic accountability.
The Maltese Parliament also contributes directly to the EU's democratic process. Maltese members of the European Parliament represent the country's citizens in the European Parliament, while members of the national Parliament participate in interparliamentary meetings and maintain dialogue with lawmakers from other member states. Such cooperation allows Malta to present its views on issues affecting the entire European Union.
For Malta, EU membership is particularly important because of its geographical position in the Mediterranean. Issues such as migration, maritime security, climate change, energy, tourism, and economic development are closely connected to European policies. The Maltese Parliament therefore has a vital role in ensuring that the country's concerns receive attention at the European level.
At the same time, Malta must balance national priorities with the broader interests of the European Union. Effective parliamentary debate, cooperation, and informed policymaking are essential to achieving this balance.
The role of the Maltese Parliament extends beyond making domestic laws. It serves as an important link between Maltese citizens, the national government, and European institutions. Through active participation and democratic oversight, the Parliament can help strengthen Malta's influence within the EU while contributing to a more united, accountable, and democratic Europe.
>>RR Badhan, AA
