Former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said he believes that the government was duty-bound to have sent out a stronger message following the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Speaking to The Malta Independent yesterday, Gonzi explained that on a day on which freedom of expression was threatened, on which the whole country was in consensus that this was not simply the murder of an individual, but the murder of one the pillars of democracy, the government should have sent a strong message, beyond re-scheduling the Budget Speech on Monday.

“The government has the duty to send a strong message, that this was not just a brutal murder but an attack on journalism.”

Gonzi clarified that the power lies squarely in the hands of the state when making decisions concerning the means which recognises a nation’s grief, be that in the form of a National Day of Mourning or the cancellation of all political activities.

Such messages were vital, Gonzi explained, in sending a strong signal that will shock society over the events that have taken place.

“It has been four days since her murder and those candles we lit up will soon burn out. The more time passes the more we forget, just like we have done with the other five car bombs that have taken place since the start of 2016.”

Speaking to the newsroom at the vigil held in Sliema last Monday, Gonzi called on people to feel emboldened and speak out against what is wrong to honour the life of Caruana Galizia.

"When I heard the news I did not want to believe it, it is something that not only shocked me but the whole nation. In addition to considering the hardship that the Caruana Galizia family is enduring, it is a national tragedy. Malta lost a journalist with extraordinary courage who in difficult moments managed to put her arguments forward despite knowing the risks involved.

"At this moment, as a people, we must realise that the best way to honour her is by standing up against what is wrong, and we should not be afraid to speak up. We must insist on our institutions - which we spent so many tireless years to set up – to carry out their constitutional duties. I think this tragedy should open everybody’s eyes to ensure that values of dignity and integrity find there right place," said Dr Gonzi.