National unity, Malta’s place in the international community, education, health and the environment are five central themes for George Vella’s Presidency, he indicated today in his first address soon after being sworn in..
In an emotional ceremony, George Vella was sworn in as Malta's 10th President of the Republic, a post he will keep for five years.
Vella, a veteran politician and has extensive foreign affairs experience, said he takes on the role with humility.
Vella spoke of the major responsibilities which come with the office. “I feel truly honoured at the prospect of joining the list of prominent personalities who, before me, fulfilled this role and carried out extraordinary work, in the best interest of the Maltese and Gozitan people.”
The reasons that led him to accept this high office are many, he said.
“The predominant one is of course that of guaranteeing the well-being of my country and of all fellow Maltese. More importantly, we should aim to achieve the just and equitable distribution of the fruits of this well-being, and see to it that the burdens of leadership and social responsibility are shared by everyone, depending on the possibilities of each individual.”
He said that the concept of charity barely has a place in contemporary society. “I am firmly of the belief that help is to be provided by way of right, and not as an act of charity or favour. At the same time, we cannot allow ourselves to think that, thanks to our country’s remarkable economic performance, there is no material poverty among our citizens. This is indeed a challenge, and I take it upon myself to keep up the attention placed on those in need, by my predecessor President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.”
“It is my belief that the best interests of the individual, the safeguarding of social rights, and the quality of life should prevail – for both Maltese and foreign workers – as well as for the migrants we are under obligation to welcome among us. The presidency will continue to lend a sympathetic ear to those facing difficulties, and provide refuge to all those who seek it.”
He also said that, as a President with a medical background, he will take an interest in the development of the health sector in Malta.
“I hope to continue witnessing the respect that has been shown thus far towards the ethical and moral bases of the medical profession – above all – respect for life, from its very inception to the individual’s very last breath. It is none other than this respect for ethical, moral, and social values that elevates the dignity of, and respect towards, the individual in our societies. “
He also encouraged the elderly to remain active, but spoke of the need to ensure that their economic situation does not oblige them to lower standards and the quality of the dignified life they deserve.
Turning to education, both vocational and academic, said that to each and every one of our youth, “we need to give the possibility to develop the talents they were born with and nurtured while growing up.”
As for the environment, he said that the challenges have developed over the years. “The size and resources of our country remain unchanged. One major change was the pressure being placed on our natural environment, and the increasing challenges to sustainability. The threat of the ‘built-up’ environment as opposed to the ‘natural’ environment is all the more evident, and is becoming more apparent.”
He said that he will recommend rigorous adherence to regulations and scrupulous decision-making in the interest of sustainability, and the ultimate obligation towards future generations.
“During my presidency I promise to work unceasingly to address with absolute attention - the strengthening of national unity. “
He said that we have to work hard to achieve unity.
“There undoubtedly remains the need and space for different and divergent opinions, but in the same fashion, there needs to prevail a genuine and reciprocal respect. Our exchanges and discussions have to be dignified, based on civic and correct demeanour, and never result in attacks of a personal nature. We need to continue reinforcing those civil liberties for which we have striven over the past years, and eliminate all forms of discrimination. We need to fortify women’s position in society and in the workplace. In this particular field, we have to guarantee those rights, which remain elusive to women to this very day, and without which gender inequality will continue to prevail. “
“Much as I value the outstanding contribution made by social media to human exchanges, also in support of freedom of expression, I yearn for less abuses on these means of communication, where I have the impression that norms and restrictions otherwise implemented on printed media and broadcasting do not always apply.”
“My sincere call goes to our Members of Parliament, whom I urge during their debates especially with their adversaries, to retain a vocabulary, tone, and content that befit the highest institution of the country.”
“As President, I expect this first expression of unity and political maturity, to manifest itself in the coming weeks, as we hold elections for the European Parliament. I make a heartfelt appeal for this democratic exercise to be conducted calmly, with full respect towards voters and candidates alike, and in a demonstration of political maturity that is worthy of every mature democracy.”
He said that over the decades, we all have – some more than others – contributed to the development of the splendid country we have today. “We are far from perfect, and still have a lot to contribute to leave a better place for upcoming generations. We still have our differences on the way our institutions work and operate, about the rule of law, the powers of administration, and about executive structures. We still carry on our national conscience the black stains of atrocious acts such as the murders of Karin Grech, Raymond Caruana, and Daphne Caruana Galizia. All of this does not befit the peace-loving character of us Maltese.”
He said he will work to eradicate divisions in Maltese society.
Turning to constitutional reform, the President said that the exercise thus far, while still in its early stages, has already been enhanced by several contributions in the form of advice, suggestions, and other pertinent input.
“I have to acknowledge the fact that over the last days, there have been considerable developments towards the implementation of the Venice Commission. As President, I long for this process to be taken forward with due thoroughness, in close consultation with experts in the field, advice from academics, input from the political class, civil society, voluntary organisations, interested members of the public and more broadly, from all walks of life in our society.” This, he said, needs to be as widespread as a process as possible.
He said that while the need to reform in earnest is being felt, he holds that we need to be diligent and cautious in our approach. “While efficiency is paramount, we should not rush with unnecessary haste.”
Turning to Malta’s place in the international scene, he said that he strongly believes that Malta has a constructive role to play both in European and in the international contexts. “Ours is a country that is small in size, but one that knows how to be effective. We can be influential in the same way we were in a number of instances in the past.”
“In the international arena, we can only move ahead if we are respected. We are neither a military nor an economic power. We do not have the political clout to impose. But we can be respected and relevant if we are credible and competent.”
He spoke of Malta having a role to play in bringing Europe closer to the Arab world, in the future development of the African continent, and in inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue.
“In international fora, we ought to be clear in our appeal for peace and the cessation of international and regional conflicts.”