In an address to Parliament during the State opening, President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca said that in a different manner to usual, she is not “presenting the normal speech, which is aimed at giving a list of measures.”

Her speech focused on unity, a number of issues which government indends to prioritise this legislature, and statements regarding a Constitutional Convention which would intend to modernise institutions while strengthening democracy.

She said that the speech was not a partisan speech and is void of any controversies which can arise.

“The electoral process, which is so important in a democracy, can unfortunately create division. We need to work together, to bridge and close this gap,” she said.

She called for national unity. “In a country with a population of a little under half a million, we cannot let ethnicity, being Maltese or Gozitan, living in the north or south of the island, or coming from a rich or poor background be issues which divide us.”

She said that unity cannot be expected to be achieved in “only a few days or weeks.” “We need a change of culture in our country, and of our mentality as a nation.” The President went on to say that this does not only depend on the government and opposition but on everyone.

"Let us agree that every day will be a day of healing. This process should serve as a boost to our democracy, which, during this legislature, will also start the process which wil lead to a Constitutional Convention."                        

"A constitutional convention with the aim of modernising our national institutions, making them accessible and accountable to the people. Through the changes it proposes, the aim of the convention, above all, will also be to unite our people."                        

She called for a constitutional convention which would modernise national institutions.  “The Constitutional renewal for the birth of a Second Republic based on national unity will be part of the legacy of this legislature,” she said.

Speaking about economic advancement, she said that the wealth gained should be used “to reach those sectors of the population which are most in need.” She said that the aim of the government will be to ensure that Malta will have the same, if not better standard of living as other European countries.

She said that Air Malta should be a priority at the beginning of this legislature, adding that whilst government should aim to increase employment, closing the gender wage gap should also be addressed. Coleiro Preca also highlighted the government’s commitment to women having central roles in the country’s leadership.

She mentioned that the infrastructure and the country’s appearance should also be given importance. “Our islands’ cleaninless has to top the list, so as to maintain a level worthy of a modern European country,” she said.

Turning to the topic of social advancement, Coleiro Preca said “if economic advancement is not used to strengthen the social fibre of our nation, and reach more people, it will be of little use for our country and people.” After listing a few Government electoral pledges, she emphasised the importance for the Government to review the IVF law, “to make it more realistic thus giving more people the opportunity of becoming parents.” 

In conclusion, the President said that all changes need to be laid down in the framework of a new statute for the country, through the birth of a second republic. “A new Consitution for Malta has to be updated, to reflect not only the present but also to anticipate the future,” she said.

"Constitutional reforms are a time of national unity.They are moments of maturity, when the people rise above all that divides them and embrace what unites them."

Prior to her speech, Anglu Farrugia was reappointed as Speaker of the House, after being nominated by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

PN Leader Simon Busuttil said that the opposition would not object, despite not being consulted on the matter.

Speaker Anglu Farrugia delivered a short speech where he promised to direct Parliament with dignity and impartiality. PN MP Claudette Buttigieg was then appointed as Deputy Speaker of the House.

This was the first time that the ceremony was held in the new Parliament building. The 2013 ceremony was held at the old chamber at the Grand Master's Palace. Parliament is composed of 67 MPs -  37 on the government benches and 30 on the Opposition side - and includes 10 women. There are also two couples: the PN's Jean Pierre and Kristy Debono and the PD's Godfrey and Marlene Farrugia.

Prior to attending Parliament for the state opening of the thirteenth Parliament, Archbishop Charles Scicluna delivered his homily at the mass being held at St John's Co-Cathedral prior to the state opening of Parliament. that politics must strive for justice.

The Archbishop, during mass, said, quoting the address Pope Benedict XVI gave to the Bundestag in Berlin on 22 September 2011: "Politics must be a striving for justice, and hence it has to establish the fundamental preconditions for peace. Naturally a politician will seek success, without which he would have no opportunity for effective political action at all. Yet success is subordinated to the criterion of justice, to the will to do what is right, and to the understanding of what is right. Success can also be seductive and thus can open up the path towards the falsification of what is right, towards the destruction of justice. ‘Without justice – what else is the State but a great band of robbers?’ as Saint Augustine once said.”

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities,” he said. “As Pope Benedict XVI said in Berlin: 'To serve right and to fight against the dominion of wrong is and remains the fundamental task of the politician. At a moment in history when man has acquired previously inconceivable power, this task takes on a particular urgency. Man can destroy the world. He can manipulate himself. He can, so to speak, make human beings and he can deny them their humanity. How do we recognize what is right? How can we discern between good and evil, between what is truly right and what may appear right? […] For most of the matters that need to be regulated by law, the support of the majority can serve as a sufficient criterion. Yet it is evident that for the fundamental issues of law, in which the dignity of man and of humanity is at stake, the majority principle is not enough: everyone in a position of responsibility must personally seek out the criteria to be followed when framing laws.’”

He also quoted Pope Francis. “I ask God to give us more politicians capable of sincere and effective dialogue aimed at healing the deepest roots – and not simply the appearances – of the evils in our world! Politics, though often denigrated, remains a lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity, inasmuch as it seeks the common good. We need to be convinced that charity is the principle not only of micro-relationships (with friends, with family members or within small groups) but also of macro-relationships (social, economic and political ones). I beg the Lord to grant us more politicians who are genuinely disturbed by the state of society, the people, the lives of the poor! It is vital that government leaders and financial leaders take heed and broaden their horizons, working to ensure that all citizens have dignified work, education and healthcare.”

The Archbishop, during his homily, also spoke about accountability, and referred to certain parables. “This word of Jesus, therefore, reminds us that there are different levels of accountability: accountability to one’s conscience, accountability to society, and, in the eschatological sense, accountability to God who alone weighs and judges the hearts of men and women in truth and justice. “

"The Lord teaches us not to despise fidelity in the small things of life. This includes fidelity in the small acts of everyday life, it includes those many meetings, those decisions that do not reach the headlines the next day, but make up the backbone of governance and service to the community. He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much.”

"All this may attract the cynical smile and the scoffs of those who feel they are wiser than the children of light. But the Lord insists: 'God knows your hearts.” To conclude with the first line from the first reading: “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments.'”

Parliament officially starts on Monday and is set to approve a number of laws, including the Marriage Equality Bill, which introduces gay marriage, before the summer recess.

Photos by Baskal Mallia