President Marie Louise Coleiro today addressed members of Parliament, former Presidents and Prime Ministers, as well as VIPs during the opening ceremony of the new Parliament building on Republic Street, dedicating part of her speech to the plight of immigrants, saying that "we cannot ignore the thousands of migrants escaping persecution, civil wars and bad economic situations”.

She stressed that currently non-coherent policies exist, mentioning that it is hard for Africans to sell products within the EU. This situation adds to the problems migrants face in their home countries, the President explained, adding that MPs should also give migrants a voice and not give way to small pockets of people calling for anti-humanitarian action.

“These situations have pushed people of all ages to leave for other countries, crossing the Sahara into Libya and other North African countries,” the President said, adding that migrants then test their luck crossing the Mediterranean into Europe.

The President urged MPs to be mindful of the Geneva Convention. She quoted the Guardian, stating that 20,000 have lost their lives travelling across the Mediterranean. The President spoke of the dead children out at sea, stating that “ these are shameful scenes for humanity”.

The MPs had walked from the old Parliament in St Georges square to the new Parliament, following the police band as well as squads marching in formation.

PL MP Marlene Farrugia’s handbag was full of flowers, while the Prime Minister in a cheerful mood joked with Labour supporters outside the labour party club while heading to the new Parliament. “Are you waving at me or Simon?” he asked.

Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri, former Presidents Eddie Fenech Adami, Ugo Mifsud Bonnici and George Abela as well as former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi were present. The square outside the new Parliament was surrounded by metal barricades and a significant police presence was noted. The band marched in first, followed by the police squads and the flock of Parliamentarians led by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. A small crowd had gathered behind the barricades.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna then arrived and was greeted by the Speaker of the House, followed by the Commissioner for Police and slightly later the President. The President inspected the police and then proceeded to the podium.

 “The site where the new parliament now stands was a reminder of WW2, however now it shows that our country has moved forward and modernised”.

She called today a milestone in Malta's Parliamentary history, highlighting that only 13% on Malta's MPs are women, urging the need for more in order to be a balanced representation of society. She highlighted that Malta has one of the lowest percentages in Europe in this regard.

She urged more respect between Parliamentarians, stating that this will result in further respect within the population. The President also spoke of minorities and that their voices need to be heard. She stressed that arguments should be counted, not insults.

The President mentioned that a strong democracy listens to the majority, reflecting their choices, however “listens and respects the ideas of the minorities”. She was not only referring to the minority in Parliament, however also to minority voices in society.

The President mentioned the Constitution, adding the need for an update in order to reflect the needs of the citizens.

She turned to local issues, arguing that there are people on the minimum wage struggling to make ends meet. She mentioned that MPs should discuss social pay.

Concluding, the President turned to the environment, arguing that our land today is leased from future generations. She urged Parliament to be mindful of the environment and that it is "your duty to safeguard it".

“Our duty is to those who come after us, for it is from them that we are loaning this environment.”

Speaker of the House Anglu Farrugia called the new Parliamentary building a reflection of the Maltese people. He mentioned that originally the building saw a controversial reaction, however "this building is a good step forward".

The Speaker spoke of laws currently being discussed, including one related to standards in public life. He added that today's session will be video streamed for the first time.

Anglu Farrugia mentioned that this year saw more funds allocated to the Parliamentary budget, which will be used to continue along the road of Parliamentary autonomy.

He added that investment has also been made into Committees, where five researchers have been hired to help when needed. He mentioned that a free television channel for Parliament will also exist.

The Speaker explained that Parliament is the highest institution in the country, stating that “the morality of each MP must be scrutinised by Parliament in order to uncover the right direction on issues”.

Following the speeches, the President unveiled a commemorative plaque and then the MPs proceeded into the Parliament building where a priest blessed the occasion. The Archbishop also presented a painting of St Thomas More, the patron of politicians. A small reception was held after just prior to the Parliamentary session.

Photographs: Jonathan Borg

Video: Matthew Agius