Honourable Prime Minister
Honourable Deputy Speaker
Honourable Ministers
Honourable Leader of the Opposition Colleagues
Presidents Emeriti Excellencies
Distinguished Guests
Fifty years ago today, the people’s representatives in their absolute majority, decided that Malta becomes a Republic.
On the strength of the sovereignty, that the granting of Independence ten years before bestowed on Malta, the people’s representatives took this decision of Constitutional and democratic development for our country.
The Head of State was no longer a foreigner, evidence that a bond still existed with the last foreign ruler, who moreover held this status by virtue of birth. Malta became, in all senses “Res Publica”, where the people from the bottom to the top, directly or indirectly, through their representatives, exercised all decisions of government. The state was personified in a son or daughter of the people.
I salute and give thanks to all Presidents who held office before me.
Sir Anthony Mamo, who vested the Presidency with dignity;
Anton Buttigieg, who brought to the Presidency the poetic sensitivity and humanity intrinsic in his character;
Agatha Barbara, who by discreet intervention, contributed to the solving of the crisis which followed the result of the 1981 election and thereby, ensured that all representatives of the people elected from that election take their seat in Parliament;
Acting President Paul Xuereb, who during his two years as Acting President, had no qualms about addressing the people when, in his opinion, certain happenings were not worthy of our people;
Censu Tabone, who with his gentleness, won the support of those who by a symbolic political gesture, boycotted his Presidency at its inception.
These five have since passed away, but their mark is still present. After them, our country had six other Presidents:
Ugo Mifsud Bonnici, who with his academic, cultural and philosophical formation, exercised the necessary prudence in the difficult situation which evolved between the years 1996 and 1998, as regards stability in government;
Guido de Marco, who has since passed away, who stands out for the exceptional pride he had in Malta and the Maltese people;
Eddie Fenech Adami, who together with Guido de Marco, was instrumental in Malta becoming a Member of the European Union twenty years ago. He will always be remembered for the way in which after a career at the top of partisan politics, his Presidency was discreet, from behind the scenes, and he rose above the political fray;
George Abela, nominated President by the party against which he militated in his political interludes, unanimously voted to office by Parliament, his choice viewed by the people as tangible evidence of unity. He was instrumental in bringing the Malta Community Chest Fund nearer to the people, by widening the activities in connection with this National Charity;
Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, well known for her big heart, who continued building on the foundations of the Presidency, and with all her heart and mind, extended the operations of the Malta Community Chest Fund. Her presence is still felt by the people as a result of the good works still in operation under her initiative and leadership;
George Vella, with his experience in the field of international relations, who during his Presidency continued to promote Malta’s role in favour of peace, as regards security in the Mediterranean, and particularly Middle East Peace.
This is the first year of my five-year test.
As I had occasion to mention before, my appointment, in line with the new Constitutional amendments of 2020, was concrete evidence that our people are capable of having one voice and reaching consensus.
Consensus is not achieved from one day to the next; most times it takes considerable time to reach. The process to make Malta a Republic was the culmination of long months of discussions and negotiations.
This was again evident in 1987, when the electoral law was amended so that the party with a majority of first count votes in a general election, takes the Seat of Government. This law was subsequently revisited, so that the number of seats reflected the votes cast at first count in a more equitable manner.
More needs to be done in order to perfect the correlation between voters at first count and seats in Parliament. This would make it more possible for minorities to be represented in Parliament. The prevailing electoral system makes this an impossible possibility, existing only between the lines.
Certain changes require consensus before being incorporated in the law; there has to be the will to effect these changes, there must be similarity of thoughts, and in order to sit at the table of civilised discussion, the atmosphere has to be cordial.
These last fifty years, exactly thirty years ago, Local Councils were introduced so that citizens have a more direct say in governance, at least the governance of the locality in which they live. However, I ask, are Local Councils being given the necessary tools and finances to ensure that they have a more effective role in the community? From meetings and also from information in the media, the impression is that there is lack of co-ordination between the Local Councils and Central Authorities. A clear line of information has to be established between authorities and Local Councils; it is important that these are kept in the know regarding matters concerning their locality.
Laws aimed at increasing citizens’ access to remedies in cases where a citizen feels unjustly treated, as well as laws to increase scrutiny and discipline in governance have been enacted.
ACT XXI of the year one thousand nine hundred ninety-five, established the Office of the Ombudsman. This gave the citizen the possibility to raise his complaint and possibly get a remedy if
he feels aggrieved by administrative action by the Government and other Authorities.
Act XVI of the year nineteen ninety-seven providing for the appointment of an Auditor General and the procedure for his reporting to Parliament, increased scrutiny of government performance.
Act XIII of the year two thousand and seventeen established the Office of Commissioner for Standards with the power to investigate breaches of statutory or ethical duties of persons in public life, as well as the Committee thereto attached. This Committee is formed of two members from either side of the House of Representatives with the Speaker as Chairperson.
The present formation of this Committee has an element of auto discipline which element is to be encouraged.
Regarding the Commissioner for Standards, one wonders if this Institution has the necessary wherewithal to be an effective disciplinary tool. Oftentimes, it appears that the decisions in the Standing Committee part of this Institution are taken according to party lines, according to instructions by the whips. In these circumstances, it is the Speaker’s casting vote which determines the issue. These instances put into focus the Speaker’s position. Has the time come to consider strengthening the Presidency of the House of Representatives?
Malta is witnessing incidents of unethical behaviour, at times, behaviour which is not honest and worthy of those whom the populace tasked with its representation.
Respect for institutions depends on the behaviour of the occupant’s role. Members of Parliament are collectively and individually responsible for the public’s perception of Parliament when one mentions this institution.
It is unfair that in this regard all members of the House of Representatives are lumped together. Whoever does not exercise proper behaviour and honesty is not only causing prejudice to the people, but also to those other Members who are upright and honest, and I add, also towards himself/herself.
I reiterate that the less work the people’s representatives give the Commissioner for Standards, the more they deserve the title of Honourables.
I sincerely think that the time has come to seriously examine how the Parliamentary institution can be strengthened. Concomitant with this one also has to examine the law regarding the formation of the House of Representatives – the question whether Members of Parliament should be full time has been raised for a long time.
There is nothing to hold back the Members of Parliament from themselves moving forward on this, not only in their respective parties, but also in Parliament itself by an ad-hoc Committee endowed with the power to delve into this matter and make recommendations thereon.
I am just going to mention, without going into detail, that up to the present state, financing of Political Parties has not yet been examined in depth.
I have mentioned these two matters hoping that they can help to decrease certain behaviour which is not only shameful, but also dangerous, since it blurs the strict line of division between the
power of money and the power of the people in the governance of the country.
We have to be direct and unequivocal in the delineation needed if governance has to be really in the hands of those chosen by the people.
We have to be careful not to overstep certain boundaries. This is especially pertinent with regards to certain institutions having specific duties and roles. I am particularly referring to the Law Courts, the Office of the Attorney General and the Police.
The three of them, in their specific roles, are entrusted with the Administration of Justice.
No pressure, from any angle, should be exercised on these three pillars of justice. All types of pressure, even if well intentioned is dangerous - good intentions can land us in hell.
It is desirable that recommendations emanating from public inquiries are implemented. The process of implementation of the Sofia inquiry recommendations has to be concluded. A lot of work under the auspices of the Justice Ministry has already been accomplished.
The Caruana Galizia inquiry put special emphasis on the journalistic profession. It is important that the discussion regarding journalism as part of the tools of democracy continues. The people have an interest in the journalistic profession; however, the journalistic profession is also and primarily, of interest to journalists themselves, especially those journalists who exercise integrity and professionality in their work. The Malta Institute of Journalists is in the process of becoming a
Union; this may make it possible for the discussion to subsist with more commitment.
We still need to strengthen institutions and the ways in which democracy can be widened so that citizens can participate more.
Civil society with its Associations, the long hours contributed by volunteers, can also be strengthened. The younger generations should be encouraged to participate and due weight has to be given to the problems youths are facing.
It appears that one of the most weighty concern worrying youths are the problems encountered when they want to acquire their first home. This situation is the result of various factors which have to be tackled all together.
The preservation of buildings in the centres of towns and villages, new buildings which encroach on the environment, the necessary infrastructure, conditions of work and pay, the realisation that persons have to be cared for holistically, all these and other considerations require fine tuning.
The term fine tuning is being used here since the various incentives given in recent years to protect our town and village centres, and also assistance, so that more people can become home owners, should be acknowledged.
Let us not forget that, fifty years ago, most working-class families were not owners of their home but lived in rented premises. It was about that time that the process so that the majority of people became home owners began.
However, times change, and also certain concepts change, and as regards rented property, laws had to be amended in order to achieve a better balance between the fundamental human right of enjoyment of private property and the rights accorded to people living in rented properties because of the needs of society during former times.
In this regard, schemes aimed at mitigating the hardships and the negative impacts resulting from these legal changes were also introduced.
And since we are mentioning fundamental human rights, one has to refer to the fact that for the last consecutive nine years, Malta has remained in the top position regarding the Europe Rainbow Map Equality Index. This international recognition was achieved year after year as a result of progressive reforms in the field of human rights, which reforms translated themselves in a more inclusive society, and helped decrease prejudice.
Equality between citizens, particularly women and men also improved. With the introduction of measures aimed at creating a balance between work and the family, more women entered the labour force. This gave women financial independence, additional tools to be arbiters of their own destiny, the means to get out of abusive situations, whilst it has also helped increase the nation’s wealth.
Our people are hardworking and resilient, and they rise to the occasion. The populace exercised discipline during the pandemic and this, together with the able management of the situation by the Authorities, was the reason why our people were less drastically hit by the pandemic than peoples of other countries.
I mention another instance; within three years after the pandemic, the tourist industry, not only reached pre-pandemic levels, but it exceeded these levels, since in 2023 there was an increase of 8.3% over the number of tourists who came in 2019.
A Nation cannot stand still. Evolution is a continuous process, and one has to be ever ready to effect all necessary changes and change accordingly.
Therefore, in order for success not to result in regress, any negative effects resulting from success itself must be countered and necessary changes made.
For long years our nation was plagued by dearth of work. The hard work and resilience of successive administrations created new investment niches, with the result that during these last years, unemployment has been drastically reduced. According to Eurostat data for the current year, unemployment in Malta stands at 3% and Malta is in the third place with the lowest rate of unemployment in Europe. Malta also has the lowest unemployment rate within the Eurozone and at the moment Malta has the second lowest unemployment rate in Maltese history.
These last fifty years, successive administrations have given priority to the education sector. Today’s vision is a holistic and inclusive one, with vocational guidance aimed at helping students identify their talents, providing assistance to those students needing support and cooperation with economic sectors to foster work experience.
This sector had its share of controversies particularly during the eighties of the last century. Parents’ right of choice regarding their children’s education is a widely accepted right, and in the
last budget the Government increased its assistance to parents who choose to send their children to religious or private schools, and not to state schools. Over and above this, the Government shall be forking out substantial sums of money to supplement educators’ pay so that school fees remain stable.
I gave these examples so that we keep a balanced perspective of the way in which Malta has progressed during these fifty years: we should not be too hard on ourselves. We must recognise the good qualities we have as a people.
I note with satisfaction that Gozo is to be the Region of Culture for 2025, and I augur that the Gozitans utilise this opportunity to showcase all that Gozo and its people have to offer.
Connectivity between Malta and Gozo remains crucial for the people of Gozo. However, the situation nowadays is a far cry from the one prevailing fifty years ago.
Gozo’s double insularity has made of Gozitans a race within a race.
During the last sixty years Malta registered rapid progress in nearly all sectors; Gozo took time to assimilate this progress in its system. In Malta this resulted in some elements of regress, therefore the fact that progress bypassed Gozo was perhaps a blessing.
During these last thirty years, Gozitans made their distinctive character the basis of organisations which are developing a particular vision for Gozo. I am directly referring to the Gozo Tourism Association and the Gozo Business Chamber.
A particular vision for Gozo benefits both Gozo and Malta since it offers a variety of experiences in various sectors.
Gozo has a very particular ethos; on one side consisting of the intrinsic psychological independence of the Gozitans and on the other side the dependence Gozo has on Malta as the biggest island of our Archipelago. Hence it is necessary that a balance be found between the Gozitan character and the situation on the ground so that Gozo develops its full potential.
Malta enjoys a high profile in the international sphere. This is due to its consistent efforts to pursue peace, security and social progress among all nations as stated in sub-Article 3 of Article 1 of the Maltese Constitution.
Malta started promoting social progress among nations in 1967, in the United Nations General Assembly when it enunciated the concept of the Common Heritage of Mankind regarding the Seas. By virtue of this concept, Malta underlined a profound mission founded on the rights of peoples at a time when colonialism in Africa was being dismantled and peoples were effectively exercising their right to self-determination. At that time, this was a victory for those States still in their infancy, and the underlying aim was, that the wealth and resources of the globe are not monopolised by potent nations.
During these fifty years, this concept of Common Heritage of Mankind is being extended to include other resources, outer space, resources underneath the oceans, protection and sustainability of resources beneficial to all humanity without distinction.
Where the benefit of humanity is concerned, in 1988, Malta proposed a Resolution in the United Nations General Assembly
which Resolution brought to the fore the problem of climate change. As a result of this Resolution, this problem is being taken seriously by the absolute majority of States and steps have already been taken with regard to important international treaties.
Malta was again innovative when at the 1975 Helsinki Conference, it emphasised that there cannot be peace in Europe without peace and security in the Mediterranean.
In the context of the Mediterranean, one notes with satisfaction that the recommendation of the Prime Minister to incorporate a Commissioner for the Mediterranean in the new European Commission was in fact taken up.
Malta has widespread international credibility in its role as a moderator; and mediator largely due to its non-alignment policy and its neutrality. This concretised itself in this last year, when Malta was entrusted with the Chairmanship of the OSCE; evidence that in spite our small size, once we are united in purpose, we attract the respect of bigger nations.
We must look ahead, each and every one of us, we must keep to the fore our good qualities, hard work, resilience, solidarity, and above all proper behaviour. These are the qualities emphasised by our forefathers when lecturing their family, these qualities are still valid today and they have to remain valid if in the future we want to continue raising Malta’s profile.
We are not in any way inferior to other peoples. We have seen and we are seeing this, in practice. We have to continue cleansing ourselves of the germs of Colonialism that at times still evident in some of us.
Each and every one of us must use the good qualities we have, in a good way and for doing good. It is important that we do not corrupt our young by example. Our example should instil in them a character backbone, which translates itself into a keen sense of ethics, a keen sense of what is right and correct.
These are the citizens Malta deserves!
Malta today recognises and honours those of its citizens who through their contributions have made Malta proud.
At the same time, Malta salutes the many anonymous others who through their industry, day after day, contribute so that our nation continues to prosper, and we can hand over to future generations a better Malta than the one we found.
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