Independence is, without any shred of doubt, the single most important development in Malta’s political history and 52 years later, after controversy has waned, it deserves to be treated as such.
Independence made possible all other progress following its achievement, and many other important developments – including the Republic and our membership of the European Union would not have been possible without it.
Independence put our country on a par with other members of the community of nations and gave us the liberty to decide for ourselves what is in our interest and what it is not. And 52 years later we can safely and proudly say that this country has made a success of its independence.
A unique achievement which merits unique national recognition
Denying the value of our independence is simply denying our national identity. Yes, we have come a long way since the days when Labour ridiculed the achievement and later removed it from the Maltese calendar as a national holiday, at the same time suppressing the Nationalist Party’s attempts to keep the collective memory alive. But, unfortunately, we still have not reached the point where we treat it as the single most important development to celebrate as a nation.
The five national days concept was maybe a political compromise that served well Fenech Adami’s politics of national reconciliation in the late 1980s. The Nationalist Party came back to power in 1987, following the most turbulent period in post-independence history – a decade of political hatred and state-sponsored political violence. But enough time has now passed to start recognising the event for what it truly is, a unique national achievement which merits a unique national recognition like no other.
The tenacity of Borg Olivier
The attainment of independence was the fulfilment of a long historical process that earned Malta the rights, privileges and, of course, responsibilities that come with statehood and it could be said that many contributed along the way. Mikiel Anton Vassalli, for one, understood Malta’s claim to assert its nationhood at quite an early stage. Nonetheless, it was George Borg Olivier who seized the moment when it arrived. Contrary to what some would have us believe, Malta’s independence was not inevitable and negotiations were no walk in the park. It was Borg Olivier’s tenacity that finally brought a vision to its realisation. But, more than that, he replaced fear with trust and laid the foundations for a healthy and solid democracy. His Nationalist government succeeded in building the solid structures required by statehood – i.e. adequate policies, legislation and institutions. At a time when other newly-formed countries were being transformed into dictatorships, Malta modernised its economy and forged an association agreement with the then European Economic Community that made the stability and increased prosperity of later years possible.
‘Nirnexxu lkoll flimkien’ (‘Together we succeed’)
The Floriana granaries encapsulate the very essence of Malta’s struggle for liberty, both national and individual freedom and, quite rightly, the Nationalist party will return to the Granaries to celebrate the country’s achievements. But, equally importantly, the Nationalist party will return to the granaries to lay out a vision for the future.
So this year Simon Busuttil will, as expected, recognise the work of Borg Olivier, Fenech Adami, Gonzi and others but he will move on to present a vision for the future based on core values of national identity, justice and solidarity. The Nationalist Party Leader will definitely express his trust in the people and their potential. There is no doubt that the country has made a success of its independence and so he will now speak about how his leadership of the country would further translate that success for the people.
This year’s Nationalist Party theme speaks about success and stresses the point that its vision is one in which everyone succeeds and not just the few. This is an affirmation of the principles of justice and social justice that have guided the Nationalist Party over the years. Unfortunately, in spite of all the country’s successes and continuous economic growth, we have seen poverty hitting over 100,000 people, with thousands of pensioners and workers not managing to make ends meet while the few over-indulge.
Simon Busuttil will say that the way forward will be better if follow it together. This entails a vision based on solidarity and inclusion, where no one is left to fall behind. So at the Granaries this year we will celebrate success and, together, design a better future for everyone.