Six years ago today, the Maltese took a crucial decision that reinstated Eddie as our Prime Minister. This was a choice that has left a great mark in the history of this country.
Last week, our Prime Minister presented two important motions: the candidature of George Abela to become Malta’s eighth President, and the other a tribute to Eddie Fenech Adami for the sterling work he did on various fronts for this country. This was another historic event that marked the end of a political career that I sincerely believe quite literally changed Malta. The country embraced and acknowledged this great man’s work in unison. It is indeed a pity to hear those isolated dissenting voices, those who ignorantly misinterpreted the actions of this statesman and who refuse to distinguish between their opinion on the content of his work and the content of his character. It is also interesting that the leader of the Labour Party, Joseph Muscat, did not disassociate himself from these comments and worthless attacks.
One can say that Eddie was the right person acting at the right time. It would have been the impulse of many to seek revenge after having suffered so much, but Dr Fenech Adami’s first words after winning the election in 1987 were based on “National Reconciliation”. He was proven right and those dark days are over forever thanks to him.
Eddie’s topmost priority back in 1987 was to give dignity back to the work force and to offer job opportunities to everyone. The recipe for the revival of the economy was to guarantee everyone’s freedom of speech and choice, to ensure that everyone was treated justly and to eliminate any form of discrimination.
Between 1987 and 1996, President Emeritus Edward Fenech Adami, as Prime Minister, ushered in a major period of change. The country’s physical infrastructure was completely overhauled, as were the legal and business structures. Trade was liberalized, while telecommunications, banking and financial services were deregulated and/or privatised. Malta also commenced a period of integration with the European Union following the presentation of its application on 16 July 1990.
Convincing opponents to adopt your position is never straightforward under any circumstances, let alone in politics. Eddie, however, managed to do this on several occasions and this is a great achievement for any politician. Among such occasions was recognizing the value of Malta’s Indepen-dence, the introduction of Local Government, the introduction of VAT and, most importantly, membership in the European Union.
Knowing that the country he loved so much had been soundly rooted in democracy and that it had equipped itself with a strong and growing economy, Eddie left the helm after securing Malta’s future within the European Union. He also stepped down from the party leadership knowing that his successor would steer the ship in the right direction to assure a better standard of living for all the country. Not an easy decision after so many electoral victories. His track record of being proven right was once again bolstered here when our nation were in the capable hands of Dr Gonzi.
Under Dr Fenech Adami’s firm leadership, our country went from being one where democracy was under threat to a nation that could boast a modern and dynamic economy.
Eddie spent practically his whole life in the political field with the sole purpose of serving his nation. This meant that he strived to reinvigorate the cause of freedom, liberty and justice. Malta and the Maltese owe a great debt to Dr Fenech Adami. It is rather ironic, I must say, to see how the Labour leader chose a holiday over a function to thank this great person.
Forming an integral part of Prof. de Marco’s secretariat when he was Deputy Prime Minister under Eddie’s leadership, I had the opportunity to accompany Dr Fenech Adami abroad on several occasions and his determination and drive have been an inspiration in my political career. Dr Fenech Adami wanted Malta to move forward; he believed in the capabilities of this nation and acted accordingly. His unique style of conveying a message, his vision and belief that Malta could indeed make a huge leap forward were undoubtedly a major factor that enabled Malta to join the European Union. The thought alone of the possibility that Eddie might not have been elected Prime Minister exactly six years ago today sends shivers down my spine. We are thankful that our history has a great Maltese politician and statesman.
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