Introduzzjoni
Malta Repubblika għalqet sena oħra. It-tnax-il xahar li għaddew kienu xhur li ġabu magħhom ferħ u sodisfazzjon, iżda wkoll mumenti ta’ tħassib u dieqa. Kienu tnax-il xahar movimentati, fejn fuq naħa, kellna u għandna biex inkunu kburin: bit-tkabbir ekonomiku li qegħdna fil-quċċata tas-suċċess ekonomiku Ewropew; bl-anqas rata ta’ qgħad f’kull żmien; u bil-kisbiet ta’ aktar drittijiet ċivili, fost affarijiet oħra.
Fuq in-naħa l-oħra, iffaċċjajna l-qtil brutali tal-ġurnalista s-Sinjura Daphne Caruana Galizia, li kexkex lil kulħadd u li ħalla konsegwenzi ta’ ħsara f’pajjiżna u barra pajjiżna.
Kienet sena wkoll fejn ġejna msejħa bħala Poplu biex nipparteċipaw demokratikament f’elezzjoni ġenerali li, sfortunatament, ġabet magħha replika ta’ sitwazzjonijiet antiki, fejn il-partiġġjaniżmu sfrenat, erġajna rajnieh fl-aqwa tiegħu.
Għaldaqstant, bħas-snin l-imgħoddija, id-diskors tar-Repubblika se jirrifletti l-ħsibijiet, it-tħassib, il-weġgħat, kif ukoll il-ferħ u s-sodisfazzjon tagħna bħala Poplu. Din ir-riflessjoni kritika, hija mibnija fuq id-diskursati u l-esperjenzi tagħkom ….. u nista’ nagħmilha, għax iltqajt m’eluf ta’ Maltin u Għawdxin.
Is-Saltna tad-Dritt
F’dawn l-aħħar ġimgħat tkellimna ħafna dwar is-saltna tad-dritt. Is-saltna tad-dritt hija d-deterrent kontra l-awtokrazija u l-abbuż tal-poter. Jiena nemmen li s-saltna tad-dritt hija b’saħħitha daqs kemm il-poplu jagħrafha, jemmen fiha, jgħożżha u jkompli jsostniha.
Jekk bħala poplu nispiċċaw nemmnu li d-dritt tas-saltna għandu jiżboq lis-saltna tad-dritt, allura diffiċli li s-saltna tad-dritt tissaħħaħ u tieħu postha bħala l-element ewlieni f’demokrazija b’saħħitha.
It-Tiġdid Kostituzzjonali
Għalhekk se nerġa’ nappella biex nibdew il-proċess tat-tiġdid Kostituzzjonali. Wara għadd ta’ laqgħat li żammejt mal-Mexxejja ta’ pajjiżna, u nies oħra, kemm matul dawn l-aħħar ġimgħat kif ukoll fis-snin li għaddew, nemmen li m’hemmx aktar żmien x’jintilef. Il-partiti ewlenin f’pajjiżna, ilhom is-snin jammettu, jistqarru u jwiegħdu, li jinħtieġ li nwettqu riforma kostituzzjonali.
Kif stqarrejt kemm il-darba wkoll, ir-riforma kostituzzjonali, għandha tinkoraġixxi u tinvolvi lill-poplu kollhu biex jipparteċipa bis-sħiħ.
Nemmen tassew li dan il-proċess għandu jkun wieħed pubbliku u trasparenti.
Dan, għaliex nemmen li l-Kostituzzjoni mhix sempliċiment strument legali, iżda l-Kostituzzjoni hija b’saħħitha daqskemm il-poplu jifhem li hija l-gwida …… ħajja, legali, morali u etika tiegħu ….. u jħossu viċin tagħha.
Għalhekk, nistenna li l-proċess tat-tiġdid kostituzzjonali, ikun mument edukattiv għal kulħadd. Filwaqt li l-punti legali għandhom jintqalu u jitnaqqxu, il-proċess tat-tiġdid għandu jkun riflessjoni kontinwa u parteċipattiva dwar xi tfisser li wieħed jgħix f’demokrazija b’saħħitha fis-seklu wieħed u għoxrin, u kif id-demokrazija tagħna għandha tibqa’ tissaħħaħ, b’istituzzjonijiet li jiksbu l-fiduċja ta’ kulħadd.
Il-Kostituzzjoni hija dokument ħaj li jibni relazzjoni attiva, bejn l-istat u l-poplu.
Solidarjetà mal-Ġurnalisti u l-Libertà tal-Espressjoni
Nixtieq nesprimi s-solidarjetà tiegħi, mal-ġurnalisti, li bħalna lkoll theżżu bil-qtil brutali tas-Sinjura Caruana Galizia. Nifhmu li, l-kundanna għal dan l-att faħxi qatt m’hi se tagħti komfort lill-familja tal-vittma. Minn naħa l-oħra l-iżviluppi li seħħew fl-investigazzjonijiet għandhom jagħtuna bidu ta’ tama biex issir ġustizzja. Irrid nieħu l-opportunità biex nagħti ħajr lill-Forzi tal-Ordni f’pajjiżna, u wkoll lil dawk l-aġenziji barranin, li taw l-għajnuna biex jibda jkollna xaqq ta’ dawl fuq dan il-każ makabru.
Sadanittant, ix-xogħol tal-ġurnalisti huwa indispensabbli għad-demokrazija. Inħeġġeġ lill-ġurnalisti Maltin biex ikomplu jfittxu s-sewwa bi skruplu kbir u mingħajr għamad jew parzjalità. Lill-ġurnalisti għalhekk ngħidilhom, għamlu kuraġġ u ibqgħu agħtuna s-servizz li dejjem tajtuna, mingħajr biża’ jew preġudizzju.
Il-libertà tal-espressjoni hija sagra għad-demokrazija iżda din iġġib magħha wkoll responsabilitajiet, b’fatti u mhux b’nofs veritajiet jew, bi spekulazzjoni.
Huwa importanti li bħala poplu nifhmu li l-libertà tal-espressjoni m’għandha qatt issir libertinaġġ.
Kultura ta’ Vjolenza Verbali
Matul dan iż-żmien, komplejt ninnota li qed tinbet kultura fostna, fejn donnu l-mezzi tal-komunikazzjoni moderni, qegħdin hemm biex jumiljaw u jkasbru lil dawk li, b’lenti suġġettiva, jitqiesu bħala rivali, għax b’fehmiet differenti.
Sfortunatament, din il-kultura ta’ vjolenza verbali, mhux biss qed issir parti integrali minn ħajjitna, iżda issa jidher li qegħdin nimbuttawha bħala parti mid-dritt tal-libertà tal-espressjoni, bħallikieku, din il-kultura kienet xi għodda demokratika u s-salib li kull min hu fil-ħajja pubblika, bilfors irid iġorr.
Il-kritika kostruttiva hija essenzjali f’demokrazija, iżda l-qlajjiet u t-tgħajjir, jimminawha.
Sfortunatament, Malta qegħda tiġi affettwata kuljum mill-partiġġjanizmu, li mhux biss qiegħed idgħajjef il-ħila tal-ħsieb kritiku, iżda qiegħed wkoll ibiegħed ix-xewqa u l-ħeġġa li niddjalogaw u li naħdmu flimkien biex nindirizzaw l-isfidi li pajjiż modern bħal tagħna, f’dinja mimlija inċertezzi, qed jiffaċċja.
Meta nsejħu għal għaqda nazzjonali, ma tfissirx li rridu naħsbu bl-istess moħħ, jew li għandna nagħlqu għajnejna, widnejna u fommna, jew li nieqfu nirriflettu b’mod kritiku.
Ejjew ma nħallux l-għaqda nazzjonali tiġi ttraduta u mhedda ta’ kuljum, bl-użu ħażin tal-mezzi ta’ komunikazzjoni moderni, li qed jintużaw, sfortunatament, biex jifirdu flok biex jedukaw, jinformaw u jħallu liċ-ċittadini, jirraġunaw u jaġixxu ta’ ċittadini ħielsa u sovrana.
Il-partiġġjaniżmu qed inawwar il-fibra demokratika ta’ pajjiżna u qed jaqsamna fi tribujiet politiċi.
Il-partiġġjaniżmu mhux biss qed jagħlaq il-bieb għad-djalogu edukattiv, iżda qed jhedded kull sforz li qiegħed isir mill-istituzzjonijiet u mill-entitajiet edukattivi biex titkattar il-kultura demokratika, f’uliedna.
Hawn nappella lill-Poplu kollu biex nibagħtu sinjal ċar, li mhux se nittolleraw atteġġjament u kliem li jhedded id-demokrazija bid-disprezz lejn xulxin. Nemmen li b’hekk id-demokrazija tagħna tkun tista’ tkompli tissaħħaħ.
Il-pjaga tad-droga
Din kienet sena repubblikana fejn, bħas-snin l-imgħoddija, tkellimna qatigħ dwar il-pjaga tad-droga. Irrid nirringrazzja u nfaħħar lill-forzi tal-ordni għas-sehem siewi tagħhom biex ifixklu l-ħidma tat-traffikanti tad-droga. Irrid infaħħar ukoll ix-xogħol enormi ta’ dawk kollha, bħal Caritas u s-Sedqa f’Malta u l-Oasi f’Għawdex, li jagħmlu minn kollox biex inisslu t-tama f’min isib ruħu maqbud f’din ix-xibka qerrieda.
Dawn il-familji u individwi mġarrbin, talbuni biex inwassal il-messaġġ li d-droga ma għandha l-ebda valur rikreattiv u li d-drogi, huma l-għadu u mhux il-ħbieb tagħna u ta’ uliedna.
Għalhekk qed nappella lil-leġislaturi tagħna biex qabel jittieħdu d-deċiżjonijiet, jinħoloq spazju safe għal dibattitu nazzjonali, li jinżamm il-bogħod mill-partiġġjaniżmu bil-għan li mhux biss ikollna parteċipazzjoni mill-aktar wiesgħa, iżda wkoll ngħarblu x’qed tgħid ir-riċerka u l-esperjenza.
F’dan il-qasam xortina tajba għaliex diġà għandna kemm individwi, familji, professjonisti u għaqdiet mhux governattivi, li għandhom esperjenza, kif ukoll riċerka lokali li tista’ tiggwida, id-diskors nazzjonali li fuqu għandha tittieħed id-deċiżjoni.
Fid-diskursati diversi li kelli m’għadd ta’ persuni jew li għadhom fil-fażi ta’ rijabilitazzjoni, jew li diġà ġew rijabilitati, dejjem jitkellmu fuq it-tħassib tagħhom dwar dewmien fil-qasam tal-ġustizzja dwar każijiet pendenti li jkollhom.
Għalhekk nerġa’ nappella lill-awtoritajiet tagħna biex jittieħdu l-passi meħtieġa, ħalli nassiguraw li nindirizzaw din il-problema, li mhijiex biss waħda ta’ individwu jew familja, anzi l-effett ta’ dan id-dewmien jinħass fuq is-soċjetà kollha.
Il-Prostituzzjoni
F’dawn l-aħħar xhur, il-Fondazzjoni tal-President għall-Ġid tas-Soċjetà, flimkien ma’ għaqdiet volontarji, individwi u entitajiet interessati fil-promozzjoni tad-drittijiet umani, politiċi, attivisti lokali u internazzjonali u nies li għaddew mill-esperjenza tal-prostituzzjoni, iddiskutejna il-liberalizzazzjoni tal-prostituzzjoni.
Eżaminajna xeni legali differenti, għarbilna realtajiet internazzjonali kuntrastanti u qisna x’jistgħu jkunu l-konsegwenzi ta’ dan il-pass minn kull angolu possibbli.
Aktar ma’ nisma’ stejjer, li wħud minnhom iwaħħxuk, ta’ abbuż vjolenti ta’ ġisem il-mara, aktar nipperswadi lili nnifsi, li b’rispett lejn in-nisa u l-bniet Maltin u b’rispett lejn il-miljuni ta’ nisa li ġisimhom qiegħed jiġi vjolentat b’kull mod, it-triq progressiva f’dan ir-rigward, hija t-triq tad-dikriminalizazzjoni tal-vittmi.
Għadd ta’ pajjiżi progressivi bħall-Iżvezja, Franza, l-Iżlanda, il-Kanada, u l-Irlanda, waqt il-proċess ta’ diskussjoni dwar il-futur tal-liġi dwar il-prostituzzjoni f’pajjiżhom, iddeciedew, li jagħżlu t-triq li ma jieħdux riskji li jistgħu jheddu d-dinjità tal-mara u għalhekk iddeċidew favur il-prevenzjoni sħiħa b’risq id-dinjità.
Bħala Kap ta’ Stat li dejjem għext man-nies, fejn leħni huwa leħen in-nies, nappella biex ikollna diskussjoni nazzjonali miftuħa, fejn jinstema’ kulħadd, ħalli ma’ nissograwx li Malta jkollha kontradizzjonijiet fil-kamp tad-drittijiet ċivili.
L-Ugwaljanza tal-Mara
Il-ġlieda tagħna għal-liberalizzazzjoni u l-ugwaljanza tal-mara, għandha tibqa’ iffukata fuq it-tisħiħ tal-preżenza tal-mara fil-ħajja pubblika u fl-inħawi fejn jittieħdu d-deċiżjonijiet, fuq it-tnaqqis tad-differenzi fid-dħul finanzjarju bejn in-nisa u l-irgiel, fuq il-ħarsien minn kull tip ta’ abbuż bħalma hija l-vjolenza domestika, fuq aktar flessibiltà fuq il-post tax-xogħol pubbliku u privat, fuq l-għarfien ta’ xogħol il-mara fid-dar, fuq saħħet il-mara u fuq is-solidarjetà ma’ nisa oħra prekarji u marġinalizzati.
Din l-aġenda għandha tkun sostnuta minn proċess edukattiv li minn kmieni u fuq kull livell tas-sellum edukattiv, jinterroga l-patrijarkija u l-abbuż tal-poter.
Il-Valur ta’ “Jiena Jimpurtani Minnek”
Fit-tnax-il xahar li għaddew iltqajt ma’ ħafna ommijiet u missirijiet, li tkellmu fit-tul dwar l-aspirazzjonijiet li għandhom għal uliedhom.
Urewni wkoll it-tħassib tagħhom, dwar il-futur fejn jibżgħu li s-solidarjetà li dejjem urejna bejnietna, tkun tmermret u minflok, tidħol kultura individwalista u egoista li twassal biex ma nafdawx lil xulxin, u ningħalqu għal xulxin.
Kellmuni wkoll dwar il-ħajja ta’ ulied uliedhom li qed jaħsbu li se tkun ipproggrammata, organizzata u maqsuma bejn diversi adulti, fejn il-ħajja ssir aktar virtwali, u mgħixa fi spazji aktar privati. Xenarju futuristiku b’għeruq fil-preżent; xenarju ta’ Malta li tista’ titlef il-valur ta’ ‘jiena jimpurtani minnek’; valur li storikament uriena x’inhija s-solidarjetà, żammna flimkien fit-tiġrib u għallimna x’inhu l-ġid komuni.
Hija responsabbiltà tagħna lkoll li nirriflettu dwar il-konsegwenzi ta’ ħajja mgħixa ħdejn, u mhux ma’ ħaddieħor. Ħajja fejn, is-solidarjetà tieħu s-sura ta’ karità okkażjonali, fejn il-ġid privat isir ħafna aktar importanti mill-ġid komuni, fejn aktar nitkellmu mal-gadgets milli man-nies…..fejn waqt mumenti soċjali, bħalma hi per eżempju xi ikla tal-familja, inkunu aktar moħħna fil-‘ħbieb’ virtwali, milli fil-membri tal-familja li nġabru madwar il-mejda.
Dawn ir-riflessjonijiet m’għandhomx biss implikazzjonijiet personali, iżda għandhom kontenut qawwi soċjali u politiku. Jekk mhux se nirriflettu b’mod kritiku dwar x’inhu jiġri madwarna f’dan ir-rigward għad jasal żmien fejn il-valuri bħas-solidarjetà u l-ġustizzja soċjali, se jitqiesu bħala valuri tal-bierah.
Solidarjetà Liberatorja u Intersezzjonali
Din is-sena kienet sena importanti għall-kisbiet tad-drittijiet ċivili tal-komunità LGBTIQ. Dan kien possibbli għax kien hemm ir-rieda politika u fhimna, li d-drittijiet mhumiex il-monopolju tal-maġġoranza. Issa nappella lil din il-komunità, li naf li tifhem xi tfisser tkun iddiskriminata u mwarrba, biex timmobilizza ruħha, kif għamlet fl-akkwist ta’ drittijietha, ħalli tgħin biex ħutna minoritarji jakkwistaw ukoll dak li hu tagħhom bi dritt.
L-attiviżmu li tant ġab suċċess, b’risq il-komunita’ LGBTIQ, issa nemmen li għandna narawh jissarraf f’solidarjetà liberatorja u intersezzjonali.
Politika ta’ Integrazzjoni
Solidarjetà, per eżempju, ma’ dawk l-immigranti, li x-xogħol tagħhom huwa żvalutat u abbużat, li jgħixu fi prekarjat kroniku u f’kundizzjonijiet deplorabbli u perikolużi.
Minn naħa l-oħra rrid nistqarr is-sodisfazzjon tiegħi lejn l-awtoritajiet governattivi, għall-aħbar tat-tnedija tal-politika ta’ integrazzjoni …. politika li nittama li ssib bilanċ bejn ir-responsabbiltà u d-dritt. Politika li tafferma d-differenzi kulturali filwaqt li toħloq spazji għat-tlaqqigħ u d-djalogu kontinwu inter-kulturali u inter-reliġjuż.
Irrid nistqarr l-apprezzament tiegħi wkoll lejn min iħaddem lill-immigranti, bid-dinjità sħiħa li tixraq lil kulħadd. Nirringrazzjahom tax-xhieda li qed jagħtu fit-twettiq fil-prattika tad-drittijiet umani universali.
Inugwaljanzi
Solidarjetà ma’ min qiegħed jgħix fil-faqar jew f’riskju ta’ faqar. Nistqarr b’sodisfazzjon, li l-istatistika qed turina li kien hemm progress f’dan ir-rigward. Filwaqt li l-istess statistika qed tindika li għad baqa’ xi jsir biex inserrħu moħħna li kulħadd jista’ jgħix b’dinjità, irrid ninnota b’sodisfazzjon ukoll li, l-awtoritajiet governattivi, qed ikomplu jħabirku biex jindirizzaw din il-problema.
Solidarjetà ma’ min jaħdem u xorta huwa fqir jew f’riskju ta’ faqar. Il-ftehim dwar il-paga minima, huwa pass importanti li ta’ min jirrikonoxxih u jfaħħru, iżda nistqarr li għadna ma rbaħniex il-ġlieda kontra l-prekarjat kompletament.
Dan jindikalna li l-ġustizzja soċjali ma tibdiex bit-tqassim tal-ġid iżda tibda mill-ġustizzja, li tagħraf il-bżonn li l-ħaddiem jitħallas b’mod xieraq għax-xogħol li jagħmel.
It-Tfal
Minn naħa l-oħra, minkejja li qed jittieħdu għadd ta’ miżuri pożittivi biex tkun indirizzata l-problema tal-faqar jew riskju ta’ faqar fost it-tfal, jibqa’ jinkwetani l-ammont ta’ tfal f’riskju ta’ faqar, u l-impatt tal-faqar fuq l-iżvilupp sħiħ u fuq il-progress edukattiv tagħhom. Huwa fatt xjentifikament magħruf, li mingħajr it-tkissir taċ-ċirku vizzjuż tal-faqar, it-tfal jikbru biex x’aktarx ikomplu jirriproduċu l-faqar ….. għax meta l-faqar isir inter-ġenerazzjonali, diffiċli biex wieħed jeliminah.
Iżda għandi t-tama li l-politika għat-tfal li ġiet imnedija dan l-aħħar, ser tkun tista’ tindirizza ħolistikament, l-isfidi li diversi tfal Maltin, qed jiffaċċjaw.
Issa li pajjiżna għandu politika għat-tfal, nappella biex ma ndumux, milli jkollna wkoll liġi komprensiva, li tassigura d-drittijiet tat-tfal, bid-dritt ewlieni li, t-tfal jingħataw l-ispazji, b’mod strutturat, fejn jinstemgħu u nagħtu każ ta’ dak li jgħidu. L-esperjenzi diversi li kelli, waqt diskussjonijiet mat-tfal, dejjem kienu okkażżjonijiet ta’ dawl imnebbaħ mill-mod uniku ta’ espressjoni ħielsa.
L-Ambjent
It-tfal għadhom ikellmuni wkoll dwar l-ambjent naturali tagħna, li jqisuh bħala fattur importanti għal ħajjithom.
Għaldaqstant, f’isimhom nerġa’ ntenni l-bżonn li nassiguraw b’kull mod, biex l-iżvilupp f’pajjiżna jkun wieħed sostenibbli. Għalhekk nappella, lill-poplu kollu, biex ilkoll nagħtu sehemna fil-ħarsien tal-ambjent naturali tagħna, għaliex dan huwa misluf lilna mingħand uliedna.
‘Housing’
Jidher ċar li bit-tbassir li l-ekonomija se tkompli sejra tajjeb, is-suq tal-kiri se jkompli jitlob kirjiet dejjem akbar. Dan ifisser li jekk se ndumu ma’ nindirizzaw din il-problema, se jkollna żieda fin-nies li jduru minn raħal għal ieħor, ifittxu ħlasijiet ta’ kirjiet li jħallulhom biżżejjed flus għall-ħajja. L-effett ta’ sitwazzjoni bħal din ikun devastanti fuq it-tfal ta’ dawn il-familji, li ma jħossuhom qatt stabbli f’komunità li jħossuha qed tinkludihom. Irridu nassiguraw li s-suċċess kbir ekonomiku f’pajjiżna ma jħallix vittmi warajh.
Għaldaqstant, il-White Paper fuq ir-riforma fis-settur tal-kirjiet, li hija mwiegħda mill-awtoritajiet governattivi, hija kruċjali biex il-konsultazzjoni u d-diskussjoni dwar ir-rimedji f’dan is-settur jiġu implimentati fl-iqsar zmien. Aktar ma’ ndumu ma’ nsibu s-soluzzjonijiet li jirrispettaw il-partijiet kollha, aktar ma’ l-pajjiż se joħroġ flus biex isewwi t-tifrik li l-kirjiet għoljin qed joħolqu għall-familji vulnerabbli.
Faqar Emozzjonali
Il-faqar mhux marbut biss mad-dħul finanzjarju, jew mal-flus disponibbli, iżda sfortunatament, fis-soċjetà tagħna, jeżisti wkoll faqar emozzjonali:
bħal fil-każ ta’ anzjani li jinsabu waħidhom għax abbandunati;
bħal fil-każ ta’ tfal b’ġenituri li qegħdin fil-ħabs;
bħal fil-każ ta’ tfal li jinsabu fil-homes;
bħal fil-każ tal-morda; u
bħal fil-każ ta’ dawk bi problemi ta’ saħħa mentali.
Għaldaqstant għandna nagħtu l-għajnuna tagħna u nkunu solidali ma’ dawn ħutna, filwaqt li nagħtu l-appoġġ sħiħ tagħna lill-għaqdiet mhux governattivi li jaħdmu f’dawn l-oqsma u li b’ħidmiethom, itaffu xi ftit minn din it-tbatija ta’ faqar emozzjonali.
Għaqal u Bżulija
Nixtieq intemm id-diskors tiegħi billi nfaħħar l-għaqal u l-bżulija tal-awtoritajiet governattivi, u tal-ħaddiema Maltin u dawk li mhumiex, li flimkien komplejna nsaħħu l-ekonomija u għamilna s-solidarjetà aktar possibbli.
Is-suċċess ekonomiku bla qies, jagħmilna kburin li pajjiżna, minn blata bla riżorsi naturali , huwa kapaċi, bl-għaqal, bil-ħiliet u bil-bżulija ta’ niesna, joħloq il-ġid, mhux biss għalina, iżda għal eluf ta’ ħaddiema oħra, li biex inkomplu nkattru l-ġid għandna bżonnhom magħna.
Irrid infaħħar ukoll, il-ħidma ta’ mijiet ta’ ħaddiema fis-settur pubbliku u privat, li bi bżulithom ikkontribwew biex il-Presidenza tal-Kunsill tal-Unjoni Ewropea tkun presidenza ta’ sustanza u ta’ suċċess organizzattiv kbir. Presidenza li tat il-vizibilità proprja u li jixraq lil għażiża Malta tagħna. Bil-ħidma kkordinata flimkien għamilna ‘l ġid mhux biss lil pajjiżna iżda lill-pajjiżi membri stati kollha ta’ l-Unjoni Ewropea.
Għamilna rekord fl-ammont ta’ ħidmiet li wassalna b’suċċess. Dan għandu jawgura tajjeb għal li ġej, f’ħidmiet akbar għal pajjiżna. Illum urejna li bħala poplu żgħir, kapaċi, bil-fiduċja fina nfusna, naslu daqs u aktar minn haddieħor, ferm akbar minna.
Is-sena li għaddiet ukoll, bl-għajnuna ta’ l-awtoritajiet governattivi u għadd ta’ ħaddiema bieżla, komplejna tajna vizibilità mill-isbaħ lil pajjiżna, meta lqajna fostna tnax-il Kap ta’ Stat mhux eżekuttiv Ewropew, permezz tal-laqgħa annwali tal-grupp Arraiolos.
Hawnhekk ukoll irrid nirringrazzja lill-awtoritajiet governattivi, il-Forzi tas-Sigurtà f’pajjiżna, u lil dawk kollha li għenu lill-Uffiċċju tiegħi, biex urejna li kapaċi nġibu aktar sustanza fid-diskussjoni, kif ukoll komplejna, nagħtu vizibilità mill-aktar pożittiva lil Malta tagħna.
Ħarsitna issa ddur lejn il-belt tant prestiġġjuża u maħbuba tagħna, Il-Belt Valletta, li se tkun iċ-ċentru ewlieni ta’ manifestazzjoni Kulturali Ewropea, mill-aktar kbira. M’għandix dubju li Valletta 2018 se sservi ta’ vetrina kulturali ta’ kwalità u ta’ manifestazzjoni inter-kulturali b’legat dejjiemi. Bla dubju, għandna nħossuna kburin bl-akkwist ta’ din l-opportunità u konvinta li se nkunu aktar u aktar kburin meta nħarsu lura u nġeddu l-memorji tagħna ta’ sena kulturali li Malta s’issa għadha qatt ma rat bħala.
Għandi t-Tama
Għeżież Maltin u Għawdxin, ejjew inkomplu naħdmu biex nagħmlu minn Malta tagħna, mudell soċjo-ekonomiku sostenibbli, etiku u ġust. Minkejja li jeżistu sfidi, għandu jkollna ħafna tama. Għandu jkollna t-tama għax nafu li flimkien kapaċi nogħlew ’il fuq mill-preġudizzji, id-differenzi u l-partiġġjaniżmu. Għandu jkollna t-tama għaliex diġà ksibna suċċessi kbar. Għandu jkollna t-tama għaliex bħala poplu magħrufin għall-valur tar-reżiljenza, li dejjem għena biex negħlbu l-isfidi.
Ejjew għeżież Maltin u Għawdxin, inħarsu b’kuraġġ lejn il-futur, għaliex konvinta li kapaċi, f’għaqda sħiħa bejnietna, nagħmluh futur isbaħ, għal kull wieħed u waħda minnha, iżda l-aktar għal uliedna.
Viva Malta Repubblika.
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Speech by President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca on the occasion of the Republic Day investiture ceremony
Introduction
Our Republic is a year older. The past twelve months have brought about happiness and satisfaction, but also moments of concern and distress.
They were twelve vibrant months, a year to be proud of our economic growth, which has placed us at the peak of European economic success; with the lowest unemployment rate of all time and with the achievement of more civil rights, among other achievements.
On the other hand, we faced the brutal killing of the journalist Mrs Daphne Caruana Galizia, which shocked everyone and which has resulted in negative consequences both in Malta and abroad.
It was also a year in which we were democratically called upon, as a nation, to participate in a general election which, unfortunately, brought about a repetition of historical situations, where we once again witnessed unbridled partisanship at its worst.
Therefore, similar to past years, the speech of the Republic will reflect the thoughts, concerns, pain, as well as joy and satisfaction, which we have experienced as a nation. This critical reflection, is built on your conversations and experiences. I am in a position to do this because of the thousands of Maltese and Gozitan people, with whom I have come into contact.
The Rule of Law
In these past weeks we have spoken a lot about the rule of law. The rule of law is the deterrent against autocracy and the abuse of power. I believe that the rule of law is as strong as the people acknowledge it to be, how much they believe in it, cherish it and continue to support it.
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.
The Constitutional Renewal
I am therefore going to reiterate my appeal for the start of a process of Constitutional renewal. After a number of meetings with the leaders of our country and other people, both during the past weeks as well as in the past years, I believe there is no time to be lost. The main political parties in our country have, for a number of years, admitted, declared and promised, that a Constitutional reform should be carried out.
As I have often stated, the Constitutional reform should encourage and involve the full participation of the entire nation. I truly believe that this process should be a public and transparent one.
This is because I believe that the Constitution is not merely a legal instrument. The Constitution is as strong as the people’s knowledge of it, making it their living legal, moral and ethical guide and feeling ownership over it.
Therefore, I hope that the Constitutional renewal will be an educational process for everyone. While legal issues should be discussed and taken on board, the process of renewal should be a continuous and participative reflection on what it means to live in a healthy democracy in the twenty-first century and how our democracy should continue to be strengthened, by institutions that are trusted by all.
The Constitution is a living document, which builds an active relationship between the State and the people.
Solidarity with Journalists and Freedom of Expression
I wish to express my solidarity with journalists, who like us were all shocked by the brutal murder of Mrs Caruana Galizia. We understand that the condemnation for this horrendous act is no consolation for the victim’s family. On the other hand, the developments that occurred in the investigations should give us hope that justice will be served. I take this opportunity to thank the Forces of law and order in our country, as well as the foreign agencies, who have assisted them in shedding some light on this macabre case.
Meanwhile, the work of journalists is essential for democracy. I would like to encourage Maltese journalists to continue to seek the truth scrupulously, in an unbiased and impartial manner. I therefore, would like to encourage journalists to be courageous and to keep on giving us the services that they have always given us, without fear or prejudice.
Freedom of expression is sacred to democracy, but it also carries with it responsibilities, based on facts and not half-truths or speculations.
It is important that, as a nation, we understand that freedom of expression should never result in abuse.
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.
Unfortunately, this culture of verbal violence is not only becoming an integral part of our lives, but it now seems that we are promoting it as part of our right to freedom of expression, as if this culture is a democratic tool and a burden which everyone in public life has to bear.
Constructive criticism is essential in a democracy, but calumnies and insults undermine it.
Unfortunately, Malta is affected by partisanship on a daily basis, which is not only undermining the ability of critical thinking, but is also undermining the desire and willingness to dialogue and to work together, to address the challenges being faced by a modern country like ours, in a world filled with uncertainties.
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 do not express our opinion, or stop thinking critically.
Let us not allow national unity to be betrayed and threatened daily, through the misuse of modern means of communication, which are, unfortunately, being used, to divide us rather than to educate, inform and allow people to think and act, as free and sovereign citizens.
Partisanship is undermining the democratic fibre of our country and is dividing us into political tribes.
Partisanship is not only closing the door to educational dialogue, but is also threatening every effort being made by the institutions and educational bodies to foster a democratic culture in our children.
I hereby appeal to everyone to send a clear message, that we will not tolerate behaviour and words that threaten our democracy through contempt for each other. I believe that, in doing so, our democracy will be further strengthened.
The Scourge of Drugs
This was a another Republican year during which, as in the past, we spoke many a time about the scourge of drugs. I want to thank and commend the security forces for their efforts to hinder the work of drug traffickers. I also would like to praise the hard work of organisations such as Caritas and Sedqa in Malta and Oasi in Gozo, for their endeavours to instil hope in those who get caught in such destructive situations.
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 also make informed decisions based on research and experience.
In this area we are lucky because we already have individuals, families, professionals and non-governmental organisations, with experience, as well as national research that can guide the national discussion on which a decision can be taken.
In the various discussions I have had with a number of people who are still in the rehabilitation process, or have already been rehabilitated, they always mention their concerns regarding delays in the field of justice on their pending cases.
Therefore, I once again appeal to our authorities to take the necessary steps, to ensure that we address this problem, which does not pertain to particular individuals or families, but which has a lasting effect on society in general.
Prostitution
In recent months, the President’s Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, together with voluntary organisations, individuals and entities interested in the promotion of human rights, political, local and international activists and people who have experienced prostitution, have all discussed the liberalisation of prostitution.
We have examined different legal scenarios, we have closely looked at contrasting international realities and have taken into account the consequences from every possible angle.
The more narratives I hear, some of which make one shudder, of the violent abuse of the female body, the more I am convinced, that with respect for Maltese women and girls and with respect for the millions of women who are being violated in all ways, the progressive way forward, in this regard, is to decriminalise the victims.
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.
As a Head of State who has always been close to the people, where my voice is the voice of the people, I appeal for an open national debate, where everyone can be heard. Let us not risk having contradictions in the sphere of civil rights in our country.
Gender Equality
Our fight for liberalisation and gender equality, must remain focused on strengthening women’s presence in public life and in areas where decisions are taken; on addressing the gender pay gap; on protection from all types of abuse, such as domestic violence; on more flexibility in the public and private workplace; on acknowledging the work of homemakers; on issues of women’s health and on solidarity with precarious and marginalised women.
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”
In the past twelve months, I have met many parents, who spoke at length about their aspirations for their children.
They also spoke about their concern for the future. They spoke of their fear, that the value solidarity which has existed among us, is being eroded, giving way to a culture of individualism and egoism which can eventually lead to us not trusting one another.
They spoke to me about the lives of their grandchildren, which they fear will be programmed, organised and divided among a number of adults, where life will become more virtual and lived in more private spaces. A futuristic scenario rooted in the present; a scenario of Malta which could lose the value of “I care about you”; a value which has historically shown us what solidarity means, which has kept us together in times of trouble and which has taught us the meaning of the common good.
We also have the responsibility to reflect on the consequences of living a life next to, rather than WITH others. A life where, solidarity takes the form of occasional charity, where private wealth becomes more important than the common good, where we communicate with gadgets rather than with people.
For example, a life where on social occasions, such as during a family meal, we are more concerned about our virtual ‘friends’ than the family members gathered around the time.
These reflections do not only have personal implications, but have a strong socio-political effect. If we do not reflect critically about what is happening around us in this regard, then there will come a time when values, such as solidarity and social justice will be considered as past values.
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. I now appeal to this community, who, I am convinced, understands what it means to be discriminated against and rejected, to mobilise itself, as it did to acquire its rights, in order to help other minorities to acquire their rights.
I believe that the sense of activism, which has brought so much success for the LGBTIQ community, should now result in liberatory and intersectional solidarity.
Integration Policy
We need to show solidarity, for example, with migrants, whose work is devalued and abused, who live in chronic precariousness and deplorable and dangerous conditions.
On the other hand, I must express my satisfaction at the news of the launch of the integration policy, by government authorities. This policy will, I hope, strike a balance between responsibilities and rights; a policy which affirms cultural differences while creating spaces for continuous inter-faith and inter-cultural dialogue.
I also want to express my appreciation to those employers who employ migrants and who treat them with the dignity that everyone deserves. I would like to thank them, for setting an example, by effectively implementing universal human rights.
Inequalities
We must show solidarity with those who are living in poverty or at risk of poverty. To my great satisfaction, indicators show that progress has been made in this respect. While the same indicators show that a lot still has to be done, to set our minds at rest that everyone can live in dignity, let me also note, with satisfaction that, the government authorities are continuing to strive to address this problem.
We must also show solidarity with people who, in spite of being gainfully employed, are still poor or at risk of poverty. The agreement on the minimum wage is an important step that needs to be acknowledged and praised, but we must admit that we have not completely won the fight against precarity.
This shows that social justice does not start with the distribution of wealth, but when justice is done, when workers should be adequately compensated for the work that they perform.
Children
On the other hand, despite a number of positive measures being taken to address the problem of poverty or risk of poverty among children, the amount of children at risk of poverty and the impact this has on their development and educational progress, is worrying. It is scientifically proven, that unless we break the vicious circle of poverty, in all likelihood, children will grow up reproducing poverty, because when poverty becomes inter-generational, it is difficult to eradicate it.
However, I am hopeful that the recently launched Children’s Policy will be able to holistically address the challenges that Maltese children are facing.
Now that our country has a Children’s Policy, I appeal for a timely and comprehensive law regarding children’s rights, which ensures the provision of the fundamental rights of children. Children must be given space, in a structured way, where we can seriously consider what they have to say.
My various experiences, during discussions with children, have always been enlightening, inspired by their unique and free way of expressing themselves.
The Environment
Children still speak to me about our natural environment, which they consider an important factor in their lives.
Therefore, on their behalf, I once again reiterate the need to ensure, in every way possible, that development in our country will be sustainable. It is for this reason that I appeal, to one and all, to play our part in the protection of our natural environment, because it is lent to us by our children.
Housing
The forecast of a healthy economy growth means that the rental market will continue to demand higher rents. This means that if we take our time to address this problem, more people will go from one village to another, looking for affordable rents so that they can have more disposable income, with which to live.
Such a situation could have devastating effects on the children of these families, who will not live in a stable community, where they can feel included. We must ensure that the economic success of our country does not leave victims in its wake.
Therefore, the White Paper on the reform of the rental sector, which has been promised by the government authorities, is crucial, so that the consultation and discussion about solutions in this sector are implemented in the shortest time possible.
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.
This is evident in, for example the case:
of elderly people who are living alone because they have been deserted;
of children whose parents are in prison;
of children in orphanages;
of the sick; and
of those with mental health problems.
It is our duty to support and show solidarity with these people, while giving our full support to the NGOs working in these areas, who, through their work, alleviate some of the hardships resulting from emotional poverty.
Wisdom and Diligence
On concluding, I would like to praise the diligence and hard work of the government authorities and the Maltese and foreign workers, who continue to strengthen the economy, which has made solidarity possible.
Our tremendous economic success makes us proud of our country, which, although lacking in natural resources, has been able, with the diligence, skills and hard-work of our people, to continue to prosper. This is not only for us, but also for the thousands of other workers, whom we need with us, to continue to create and generate prosperity.
I also want to thank the hundreds of workers in the public and private sectors, who have contributed to make the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, a presidency of substance and great organisational success. It was a Presidency which has given the visibility which Malta truly deserves. Not only has our country benefitted from this work, but so have all the Member States of the European Union.
The record number of tasks we undertook were handled successfully. This should augur well for our country in the future. We have demonstrated that although we are a small country, by being confident, we have achieved as much as and maybe more, than other much larger countries.
Last year, with the help of the government authorities and a number of hard workers, we continued to give Malta positive visibility, when we welcomed twelve non-executive European Heads of State, at the annual meeting of the Arraiolos group.
I would like to thank the government authorities, the Security Forces in our country, and all those who helped my Office, to demonstrate that we are capable of adding substance to the discussion, while we continued to give positive visibility to our country.
Our attention now turns to our beloved and prestigious capital city, Valletta, which will be the main European cultural centre for 2018. I have no doubt that Valletta 2018 will serve as a cultural showcase of quality and intercultural manifestations with a lasting legacy.
Undoubtedly, we should feel proud of this opportunity and I am convinced that we will be even prouder when we look back and remember a cultural year the like of which Malta has, to-date, never seen.
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.
We should have hope because we have already achieved great successes. We should have hope because we, as a nation, are well-known for our resilience, which has always helped us overcome our challenges.
Let us, dear people of Malta and Gozo, look to the future with courage, because I am convinced that, united, we are capable of creating a brighter future for each and every one of us, but most of all, for our children.
Long Live the Republic.