Malta’s leaders came together this evening for the annual exchange of season’s greetings outside of Parliament. President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca departed from the traditional by having four children from the President’s foundation speak in her stead, where they stressed the importance of unity and placing fundamental human rights at the forefront.

One child spoke of being disappointed by Malta’s adults, and called for the spirit of Christmas – hope, trust, unity, respect and generosity to be observed on a daily basis.

This will be the first exchange of Christmas greetings for Adrian Delia, having been made Opposition leader after the PN lost a general election on 3 June, replacing former leader Simon Busuttil.

Today’s exchange is marred by the brutal murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia which took place on 16 October. Malta was placed under the spotlight in the worst possible way after accusations of a culture of impunity was allowed to flourish, with relations between the leaders of Malta’s two main political parties turning particularly sour as fingers were pointed in all directions.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that in these circumstances, the words of politicians are somewhat extra and that it would be better for children to speak – because they can deliver a genuine message of peace and friendship.

He echoed calls for this to be thought of year-round.

“We must remember from time to time how our language delivers a message to others. There is far more that unites us than there is that divides us. Irrespective of what side of the House we sit on, what we do, what we believe, one of the nicest things about this time of the year is that we get together and help those in need”.

Muscat stressed the crucial role of the Malta Community Chest Fund, run by the President’s office.

“It is true that the government gives medicines for free, subsidies, but the MCCF is crucial in helping those who the system does not cover. Sometimes the system is slow to respond, if it were not for the MCCF, these people would end up victims of bureaucracy.

One does not know when they would be in need of such services, Muscat said. He said that certain illnesses such as cancer, which hits so many people from one day to the next without warning, is testament to the need for services such as MCCF which can provide swift assistance.

Speaker of the House, for the first time since this event has been taking place, decided to join Malta’s leaders and say a few words. He stressed the need for respect in order for there to be unity.

Farrugia said what is concerning him is that while people exchange season’s greetings, throughout the year people, especially those in politics, needlessly say an extra phrase which does nothing to help situations.

“I am thinking of those in solitude, broken, because someone said something during the year which broke them”.

He said that as President of the House, he is very careful that Parliamentary language is correct, because MPs are representatives of the people.

 

He called on people to be an example on peace and respect throughout the year.

Leader of the Opposition Adrian Delia called for politicians to remember the symbolism of baby Jesus, who represents a message of hope, during this time of the year.

He called on Malta to remember those who are living in poverty and social exclusion, those who are lonely and further depressed by Christmas despite Malta’s booming economy.

“We need to bring hope, and deliver the message that politics does not necessarily mean hatred and division. We need to deliver the message that politics can bring people together, like tonight, and that we are capable of working for the common good for Malta, spreading wealth to as many people as possible”.

He said that if politicians truly absorb this message and show good will, than they can make the feeling of Christmas come across daily, and not just once a year.

Archbishop Charles J Scicluna delivered a religious message and spoke of peace on earth for all those of good will. He commended Malta’s leaders and the general public at large and said that those of good will have God’s love, acknowledgment and trust.