Parliament pays tribute to Robert Arrigo, suspends sitting

Parliament on Tuesday paid tribute to Nationalist MP Robert Arrigo and suspended its regular sitting as a mark of respect.

Arrigo, an MP since 2003 elected from two districts in successive elections, died on Monday-Tuesday night. 

Speaker Anġlu Farrugia led a minute's silence after joining tributes by the prime minister and the leader of the opposition.

Prime Minister Robert Abela said Arrigo had been his friend and a true gentleman.

"During the most critical moments of the pandemic, he was one of the people who gave us sound advice and it was never partisan. In recent months, he would tell me about social cases, The people involved were not even PN voters, so his interest was not politically motivated. He would even follow up on cases himself," Abela said. 

Malta, he added, had lost "a gentleman with a social soul" who, despite being politically successful, remained humble and sensitive to others' pain.

Opposition leader Bernard Grech said Arrigo was a person who spoke his mind but was always loyal not only to the party but also to the electorate. 

"Despite knowing he had a terminal illness, he was determined to keep working hard and looking at ways to help others.  

"He helped...