Partit Demokratiku today called for a Constitutional amendment in the appointment of the President of the Republic before the termination of office of Her Excellency Marie Louise Coleiro Preca.

“The President of the Republic should be a unifying figure and appointed in the national interest and not in the interest of the party in government,” stated party leader Hon Dr Godfrey Farrugia.

In his end of year speech, the Prime Minister has gone on the record saying that the next President will soon be appointed through a parliamentary resolution.  Partit Demokratiku remarks that if the Prime Minister wants to walk the talk in strengthening the wellbeing of our democracy, then it is timely that the President of the Republic be appointed by at least a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the House of Representatives, and not by a majority of votes. 

“Merit, integrity and competence should be the hallmarks of this office,” states Hon Marlene Farrugia. “The President’s oath is one to ‘preserve, protect and defend’ the Constitution and PD recommends that the next president should be backed by an Advisory Council of State which will give unbiased and fair expert advice. This had been advocated by Hon Dr Guido Demarco in 1988 and His Excellency Dr George Abela in 2009 and PD is repeating the call of these much respected gentlemen.”

“We need to pave the way to unify a much divided country by building bridges,” stated Hon Godfrey Farrugia. “Partit Demokratiku is committed to promoting and nurturing the wellbeing of democracy.”