Parliament of Malta

Structure and main functions

Malta has a unicameral parliamentary system governed by democratic elections. The principal chamber is the House of Representatives, which:

• debates and passes legislation;
• approves budgets and public spending;
• scrutinises the executive through questions, motions and committee work;
• confirms the composition of the government and holds it to account.

Composition and electoral system

Members of the House are elected by popular vote using a proportional single transferable vote system. The number of seats is set by law and can be adjusted to preserve proportionality between votes and seats. By constitutional convention and statute, all government ministers, including the Prime Minister, must be members of the House of Representatives; this requirement shapes how cabinets are formed and how executive responsibility is exercised (ministers).

History and building

The modern Parliament evolved from representative institutions established during the 19th and early 20th centuries under British rule into the present republican framework after independence and the later republican constitution. In recent years the legislature moved into a purpose-designed parliament building in Valletta, reflecting the island's long parliamentary tradition and civic architecture.

Role in government and notable facts

The leader of the majority in the House normally becomes Prime Minister and directs government policy. Parliamentary committees, public sittings and the constitutional requirement for ministerial membership of the House reinforce direct political accountability. Malta's small size, a strong two‑party competition and the use of the single transferable vote distinguish its parliamentary politics from many larger states. For further procedural detail and official documents see the national parliament resources and materials on parliamentary practice (the parliament).

For more information about legislative processes, committee structures and electoral specifics, consult official sources and guides to Maltese constitutional practice (Maltese name and resources, constitutional texts, country information).