Mr Tabone was speaking outside the Presidential Palace in Valletta at an event organised to commemorate Sette Giugno, when four Maltese lost their lives in the fight for autonomy. On this day, he said, our forefathers’ dedication, courage and sacrifice must be remembered. They worked to give Malta what it deserves, in the political and social sphere.

The Sette Giugno uprising came about as part of the island’s political evolution, said Mr Tabone. He went on to recount the colourful and tumultuous history of Malta’s Constitution and explained that this was a result of sacrifice – a sacrifice that gradually helped bring the Maltese closer to freedom.

He pointed out that freedom, quality of life and the free vote were just some of the benefits that resulted from the events of 7 June 1919. The right to vote, and electoral consultation, give the people the opportunity to confirm the present government or change it accordingly.

Mr Tabone spoke of the importance of the House of Representatives. The parliament is a unique and distinct institution, he said. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the government that enacts laws, but rather it is the parliament, the people’s representatives from both the government and the Opposition.

Parliamentary structures are being strengthened and Mr Tabone explained that with the cooperation of other parliaments, a scrutinising system is being set up to deal with all the documentation coming from the EU.

The Speaker appealed for MPs to continue their parliamentary work, especially on the chamber committees and reminded his listeners that in February, Malta had the honour of hosting the fourth Euro-Mediterranean Speakers’ conference.

This was Malta’s first Sette Giugno commemoration as an EU member, Mr Tabone noted. He said that next year, the five MEPs elected will also be joining in the event. He explained that even though those elected will not be members of the Maltese Parliament they will still benefit from the political evolution that began on 7 June 1919.

Prior to the Speaker’s address, members of the police force, led by the police band, paraded down Republic Street to the Sette Giugno commemoration monument.

Later, Mr Tabone, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Opposition leader Alfred Sant placed wreaths on the monument as a sign of respect for those who died fighting 85 years ago.