I have hope – The President of the Republic of Malta
After the hullabaloo of the festive season, people have now returned to their daily routines and commitments, whatever these may be.
gvella@melita.com
Ibelieve that people will now go back to reading newspapers and news portals, and following discussions and debates on their favourite television or radio station after the inevitable hiatus of the past weeks. I feel that the time is now ripe. Let me take you back a couple of weeks. On the occasion of the Republic Day investiture ceremony, President MarieLouise Coleiro Preca delivered an excellent and exhaustive speech. Unfortunately, it was not captured, much less promoted, by most of the media houses, and little reference was made to the speech delivered by Her Excellency. In contrast, the general public promptly engaged into controversy, not on what the President said, but rather on whether some of those decorated merited the bestowment. This utterly eclipsed the President’s speech.
So I had to wait patiently before I could delve into this exceptional speech, which touched upon sensitive issues. I have taken the liberty of highlighting some outstanding excerpts.
The rule of law
“If, as a nation, we end up believing that the law of power outstrips the rule of law, it will be difficult to strengthen the rule of law and to maintain its place as a key element in a strong democracy.”
Constitutional renewal
“The main political parties in our country have, for a number of years, admitted, declared and promised that constitutional reform should be carried out. As I have often stated, such constitutional reform should encourage and involve the participation of the entire nation. I truly believe that this process should be a public and transparent one.”
Solidarity with journalists and the freedom of expression
“I wish to express my solidarity with journalists, who like us were shocked by the brutal murder of Mrs Caruana Galizia. I would like to encourage Maltese journalists to continue seeking the truth scrupulously, in an unbiased and impartial manner.”
A Culture of verbal violence
“I have been observing, for some time, that a culture is emerging, where modern means of communication are used to humiliate and vilify those who, through a subjective lens, are considered rivals because of their different opinions. When we call for national unity, this does not mean that we must all be of one mind, or that we must turn a blind eye or not express our opinion, or to stop thinking critically.”
The scourge of drugs
“The families and individuals who are affected have asked me to convey the message that drugs have no recreational value and that drugs are our enemy, and not our or our children’s friends. Therefore, I appeal to our legislators, before taking any decisions, to create a safe space for a national debate, in which partisanship has no place, so that not only will we have wider participation, but will also take informed decisions based on research and experience.”
Prostitution
“A number of progressive countries like Sweden, France, Iceland, Canada and Ireland, during the discussion process about the future of the law on prostitution in their respective countries, decided not to take risks which could threaten the dignity of women and therefore chose to go for full prevention in favour of dignity.”
Gender equality
“This agenda should be supported by an educational process which, from an early age and at all levels of education, interrogates patriarchy and the abuse of power.”
The value of ‘I care about you’
“Over the past twelve months, I have met many parents who … spoke of their fear that the value solidarity which exists among us is being eroded, giving way to a culture of individualism and egoism which can eventually lead to us not trusting one another.”
Liberatory and intersectional solidarity:
“This year brought about new milestones for the civil rights of the LGBTIQ community. This was possible because there was the necessary political will and the understanding that rights are not the monopoly of the majority.”
Integration Policy
“We need to show solidarity, for example, with migrants, whose work is devalued and abused, and who live in chronic precariousness and deplorable and dangerous conditions.
Inequalities:
“We must show solidarity with those who are living in poverty or are at risk of poverty.”
Children
“Now that our country has a Children’s Policy, I appeal for a timely and comprehensive law regarding children’s rights which ensures the provisions of the fundamental rights of children.”
The environment
“I appeal to everyone to play their part in the protection of our natural environment, because it is lent to us by our children.”
Housing
“The longer we take to find solutions that respect all the parties involved, the more money our country will have to spend to address the damage which these high rents are causing to vulnerable families.”
Emotional poverty
“Poverty is not only linked to finances and disposable income. Unfortunately, in our society emotional poverty also exists.”
Wisdom and Diligence
“Our tremendous economic success makes us proud of our country, which, although lacking in natural resources, has been able, with diligence, skills and the hard work of our people, to continue to prosper.”
‘I have hope’
“Dear people of Malta and Gozo, let us continue working together to make Malta a sustainable socio-economic, ethical and just model. Although challenges will exist, we should be hopeful. Our hope should lie in the fact that, together, we are capable of overcoming our prejudices, differences and partisanship.”
To me, the above address by the President, together with that made by Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna on Independence Day, and that delivered by Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri at the opening of the forensic year in early October, are outstanding guiding lights, detached from partisan politics that sometimes confound issues to better suit the interests of political parties.
In these times of economic growth yet a lack of social consciousness, we should pay heed to these voices if we want to ensure a better future for all.