[WATCH] State opening of Parliament underway

The 12^th legislature's State opening is underway, with the ceremony starting off at St John's co-cathedral in Valletta where the Mass of the Holy Spirit led by Archbishop Paul Cremona was held.

Government and Opposition MPs have now gathered in the House of Representatives where the Clerk of the House read the proclamation summoning Parliament. He then read the results of the general election and the casual elections.

This morning, the parliament will elect Anglu Farrugia as Speaker and Censu Galea as deputy speaker. This will be followed by members of parliament taking the oath.

For the first time, Joseph Muscat is sitting on the government benches as Prime Minister of Malta. Next to him sit deputy prime minister Louis Grech and Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella. On the Opposition side, MP Simon Busuttil sits next to Opposition leader Lawrence Gonzi.

The government has nominated Anglu Farrugia as Speaker. However, Gonzi declared the Opposition will not be supporting this motion arguing that the government had rolled over the Constitution. Gonzi also said that the government had not consulted the opposition on the matter.

A division was called and the motion was approved.

In his homily, Cremona emphasised the importance of love, respect and dignity.

Describing Parliament as a school, Cremona said that Jesus Christ asked St Peter and his disciples to love "because love overcomes many problems."

On dignity and respect, Cremona said that Jesus Christ showed this in washing his own disciples' feet and his insistence on respecting everyone.

"These are the messages I wanted to give you. I wish you well and may you do a good job to ensure that our country keeps moving forward," Cremona said.

All MPs will than walk to the Palace in a cortege led by former Presidents Ugo Mifsud Bonnici, Eddie Fenech Adami and outgoing Speaker Michael Frendo, where they will take an oath or an Affirmation of Allegiance and the Speaker and Deputy Speaker will be elected.

Anglu Farrugia will be confirmed Speaker despite the Opposition's announcement that it would vote against his appointment. Nationalist MP Censu Galea will also be confirmed Deputy Speaker and both elections require a simple majority.

Following a brief ceremony in St George's Square, the President George Abela will enter the Palace and after making way to the House of Parliament he will deliver his speech, written by the government outlining its programme for the next five years.

The President will than walk out of the Chamber, the last time a President will enter parliament at the Palace, as in five years time the Parliament would have moved to the new premises at City Gate, Valletta.