Professor Oliver Friggieri speaks to Chiara Bonello
about the importance of a national day which unites the Maltese, his 1980’s novel Fil-parlament ma jikbrux fjuri and the importance of a distinction between Church and state
“Although there are various public holidays, I strongly believe that the time has come for Malta to have one national day, which is not linked to any political bias,” Prof. Friggieri said.
He went on to say that although it is possible to have various public holidays, the need for one single day, chosen by consensus and not linked to any party, so as to be representative of everyone is important.
It is impossible to pick any day which already exists, he said, as these all have political connotations. He suggests, half-jokingly, that perhaps the date should be settled on by children, who have the best chance of having no political bias.
Once this is established, slowly the other public holidays which are linked to specific events can begin to be appreciated. A small country such as Malta needs something like this to unite it, he said.
Referring to the novel which he published in 1986, Fil-parlament ma jikbrux fjuri, Prof. Friggieri explained that it was written between 1984 and 1986, when the Labour Government was in conflict with the Nationalist Party about the majority of votes and seats in parliament.
“With hindsight I can say that it had been on my mind for around ten years, and in fact in numerous newspaper articles I had written at the time reflect a character which chooses to rebel against parliament,” he added.
Taking a trip down memory lane, he recalls the launch at the Phoenicia ballroom, for which around 900 people turned up. He explained that the book was partly a reaction to a comment by then Prime Minister Dom Mintoff, who had said “those who have nothing to do write books.” (min m’ghandux x’jaghmel jikteb ktieb)
“This comment had made me very angry and I wanted to write a book that would show that even in Malta, a book could make a difference,” he explained, adding that at the time there was a rather ‘anti-knowledge’ phase.
Prof. Friggieri is quick to point out that he later got to know Mr Mintoff better, and in fact even makes a reference to him in his memoirs, Fjuri li ma jinxfux, and explains that he had discussed the comment with him.
“I was lucky in that at the time of writing I spoke to then PN leader, Gorg Borg Olivier about Dom Mintoff, and some years later had the opportunity to speak to Mr Mintoff about Dr Borg Olivier,” he admitted, adding that he did this with a purpose.
“I was satisfied to see that both men had great respect for one another. The main protagonists of Maltese politics, both pre and post independence, had great respect for one another,” he said.
As a matter of fact even the two parties in the novel reflect Mr Mintoff and Dr Borg Olivier, he added with a smile, commenting that nothing could irk the latter, whereas nothing could calm down the former.
“I saw them as an ideal duo, who complimented each other,” he said, adding that Malta was lucky to have had good leaders on either side, something which still holds true in current leaders, Lawrence Gonzi and Joseph Muscat.
Despite problems and hiccups along the way, Malta achieved what it had to, be it independence, becoming a republic, constitutional amendments and EU membership, while evading civil war, a common factor in other Commonwealth countries.
“I think this can also be put down to the Maltese tradition of faith and belonging,” he said, adding that there were moments in history where Malta was on the brink of civil war, but was wise enough to hold back.
“I wanted to create a character which was meant to represent the average citizen, who speaks up against the power of some, and affirms the power of the individual’s thoughts,” he said, adding that he must have succeeded as from feedback received it became abundantly clear that Karlu Magnu, the protagonist, interpreted the sentiments of many at the time.
Shortly after he wrote Pawlu ta’ Malta together with Charles Camilleri, calling for increased unity among the Maltese, who often tend to be divided in two. “This is something which pains me to this day,” Prof. Friggieri admitted.
“In Malta people are born with Nationalist or Labour DNA, which I do not think is a bad thing,” he admitted, adding that although he used to think it could be eliminated, today he has realised that perhaps it can only be civilised.
“The citizens of Karlu’s Malta didn’t have a choice, they were either blue or red, but today I tend to think things have quietened down, but although they look different superficially, deep down they are not different at all,” he said.
Prof. Friggieri explained that through the book he aimed to present the possibility of a third party, in terms of public opinion; that is someone who is not solely PN or PL, but who can see the good in both parties.
In the past the mentality was that everything your party did was all good, whereas everything the other party did was all bad, and I was suggesting that one can see both at the same time, he said.
“I still feel that as a novel, Karlu represents the average man in the street, who feels an allegiance to a party, but doesn’t exclude the fact that the other party may be right,” he explained.
“What I wanted to say is that a different political mentality was possible, one of tolerance and consideration, and in that sense I think the novel had an impact, even on political individuals,” he said.
Reluctant to mention any names, Prof. Friggieri said some MPs saw it as a political moral manifest, that parties could refer to and others as the sign of the end of a post-Mintoff era.
“In writing Fjuri li ma jinxfux I met with many level-headed people from both political parties, and came to see something I had always believed in, the maturity of the Maltese people,” he emphasised.
Commenting on the real possibility of a third party, Prof. Friggieri said it is not in the Maltese tradition, although he does think it is being born. In such cases it is often born out of one of the existing parties, and involves a blend of ideas of the two.
The relationship between the citizens and the state has improved since Karlu’s time, also in view of the fact that in the meantime a new point of reference has come about, that is Brussels. Malta couldn’t do without unification with Europe, he said.
The Inspector’s wife in the novel predicts that the future generation will grow out of the party identification model, but Prof. Friggieri said that rather, the way he sees it is that people have realised that the rigid positions had to end.
To a certain extent future generations are different to the post-independence period, but at the same time they are still not completely free of their parents’ beliefs, he said.
The tendency remains to align ourselves to a party, a social group, however ideological differences have come to an end, he said, as the parties are increasingly converging.
Traditionally the two parties were born in opposing camps, in terms of language, values and social class for example, however the classes have since mixed, and the differences between the parties are not as apparent.
There is something that makes one PN or PL before they can even decide for themselves, and this can’t be eradicated, but today the differences between the parties may be less noticeable, and more ethical than economical.
He said that politicians today are increasingly recognising the good in the other party, the importance of being closer to the people, as well as the importance of loyalty to their party and to the truth.
Too much independence within the same party is a danger to democracy, he said, adding that parties must be internally coherent. “As it is unity implies diversity, but diversity warrants unity,” he said.
“I think we have arrived at a stage where both parties have to make their compromise with history, and the church too needs to move towards becoming more about love, rather than being more judgemental, so as to be open to everyone,” he said.
The fundamental challenge, he said, is to distinguish between the constants; fundamental values like respect and tolerance, which can’t be discarded, and variables, which are typical of the era and bound to change.
“I think Malta’s main challenge at the moment is to be careful not to throw away the baby with the bathwater, as there is a tendency to overreact. We have the advantage of a paced rhythm, we can learn from the mistakes of other countries,” he said.
He said that in his opinion this paced rhythm is partly down to an old and religious civilisation, which brings with it a certain wisdom and maturity. “I have a very high opinion of our forefathers, who despite their illiteracy had the capability of thinking and working things out,” he said.
So far Malta has always taken its time and made good decisions, and the fact is once all the measures are implemented Malta will still have reached the stage of other countries, he said.
Prof. Friggieri likened what Malta went through in the 1980’s to what most of Africa went through post-independence; Malta’s post independence teething troubles, but commented that Malta managed to evade a civil war.
The Church, for the Maltese, is not only an institution of faith, he said, but rather one of identification and belonging. Many Maltese identify themselves in terms of the church.
Whether PN or PL, one often turns to what the Church says, he said, adding that the political parties and the Church have sometimes vied for power and allegiance on the same matters – for the people’s loyalty.
Conflict arises when there is divergence between the two on some matters – such as integration or independence.
Prof. Friggieri said he thinks the Church today has a role of moral guidance, although when he says Church it is not the Curia he is necessarily referring to, but the thousands of Maltese believers.
“Karlu says that there is no distinction between politics and religion, and this is something I believe in,” Prof. Friggieri admitted, as religion gives moral value to something, whereas politics is its fulfillment.
The challenge of both parties – which both have many catholic supporters – is how open they are to lay people, as well as catholics. Although the PL seems more inclined towards laity, and the PN seems more confessional, they can meet in the middle and cater for both, he said.
The distinction that must be made is between the church and the state, he said, adding that we must push for the church and the state to remain friends, but distinct.
Above everything else the Bible speaks of a God who loves, and everything must be motivated by love, he said, secondly one’s duty to love is not equivalent to the right to impose and thirdly the only Judge, ultimately, is God.
One is bound to love at all costs, and not judge at all costs, he said, adding that he thinks this position is also best for the Church, so it may remain a positive force in Malta.
“It is very difficult indeed to live as a Christian, but I think the reality is that one must adapt the religious truth to the facts that one is living in, there must always be a compromise,” he said.
The challenge set by Christ is so demanding, that while none of us have an excuse for not trying, we can only hope he will be content with our efforts, he said.
Commenting on the divorce referendum, Prof. Friggieri stated that it was unique in Maltese history, in that it was the first referendum to deal with a moral issue.
The divorce debate has been going on in Malta for many years; in fact Prof. Friggieri speaks of the marriage crisis, the introduction of divorce and the catholic position in his novel, Il-Gidba.
It was inevitable that Malta would eventually move closer to Europe, and it was just a matter of time and could have come from either party, he said, adding that it forced people to choose whether to be catholic, in the most rigid sense of the word.
“I have no doubt that the referendum vote was a crisis of conscience for many, and I think everyone understands this, but I think Karlu would have voted in terms of respect for everyone, although he would have been in conflict too. As a Christian he would not have made use of divorce, but would not deny others the right,” he said.
“They were made to answer in a manner which reflects what I speak of when I speak of the third party, in that in spite of political or religious beliefs, they had to make their own decision,” he said.
“I think this was what swayed things in the referendum, although there was still a good number of those which opted to not vote either way, in aid of something more profound, their conscience,” he said.
The fact that in the divorce referendum there were many who voted differently from the stance taken by the church means that it was taken into consideration and seen as a point of reference, he said.
However many chose to separate the church from the decision at hand, which he puts down to three reasons. Namely the fact that many have lost their sense of guilt, that the familial connotations in Malta are stronger than in other countries, which the Yes movement was able to cater to, and that the Maltese were not sure that the Church had only one position.
Nevertheless the vote does not mean that the church has lost its people, he said, the referendum yes, but not the people, among whom it still enjoys a great deal of support.
Prof. Friggieri augured that the Church may save its image among youths, so it may continue to contribute, as it has through the years.
“Eventually we have to assume responsibility and do things, and now let’s hope the best efforts are put into coming up with the best law in the interest of current and future generations,” he said.
“Since I wrote Fjuri li ma jinxfux there has been a rapid rate of change, and it feels like much more than 20 years have passed. More than ever we need a sense of the past, so as not to lose a sense of the future,” he said.
“The challenge of both parties – which both have many catholic supporters – is how open they are to lay people, as well as catholics. Although the PL seems more inclined towards laity, and the PN seems more confessional, they can meet in the middle and cater for both.”
Profile
OLIVER FRIGGIERI, born in Malta in 1947, studied Philosophy and Literature and holds the first M.A. (1975) and Ph.D. (1978) in Maltese Literature. Many of his works have been translated into various languages, including German, Greek, Rumanian, Finnish and Italian. He addressed about seventy international congresses in various countries, and his poetry was included in some of the major poetry recitals held throughout Europe (1981-2003). Author of numerous books of poetry, criticism, novels, short stories, many of which have been published in various countries. Author of numerous scholarly articles published in Maltese and international academic journals. Winner of international prizes, including Premio Mediterraneo Internazionale (Palermo, 1988), Malta Government Literary Award (1988, 1996, 1997), and Premio Internazionale Trieste Poesia (2002). Member of the National Order of Merit (Government of Malta, 1999). Professor and ex-Head of Department of Maltese at the University of Malta. The “Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce” awarded him the Gold Medal for 2003.
The list of his books includes: “La cultura italiana a Malta – Dun Karm” (1978, Florence), “Storia della letteratura maltese” (1986, Milazzo), “Laz” (1982, Belgrade), “Baruhove Zagate” (1982, Ljubljana), “A Turn of the Wheel” (1987, Paisley), “La menzogna” (1997, Genova), “Storie per una sera” (1994, Treviso), “Le rituel du crépuscule” (1991, Paris), “Nous sommes un desir” (1998, Luxembourg), “A Distraught Pilgrim” (1991, Missouri), “Povesti pentru o seara” (1999, Bucharest), “La voce dell’onda” (1991, Alghero), “A Mentira” (Lisbon, 2004), “Koranta and other short Stories from Malta” (1994, Malta), “Sotto l’ombra degli occhi” (2003, Trieste), “A Malte, Histoires du crepuscule” (2004, Paris), “Dizzjunarju ta’ Termini Letterarji” (1995), novels like “Fil-Parlament ma Jikbrux Fjuri” (1986, In Parliament no flowers grow), “Gizimin li qatt ma jiftah” (1998, Jasmins that never open), “It-tfal jigu bil-vapuri” (2000, Children come by ship), and a book of memoirs ‘‘Fjuri li ma Jinxfux’’ (2008, Flowers that never wilt). He writes in Maltese, English and Italian.
Many of his poetical works have been set to music; they include the oratorios “Pawlu ta’ Malta” (1985) and “Dun Gorg!” (2001), and the cantatas “L-Ghanja ta’ Malta” (1989) and “Rewwixta” (1992).
Select bibliography:
Steven R. Serafin ed., Encyclopedia of World literature in the Twentieth Century, I-IV, 3ed., St James press, Michigan, 1999 (on Oliver Friggieri see vol. II, p. 175)
Charles Briffa, “The Voice of a Nation’s Conscience: Oliver Friggieri’s Fiction in Recent Maltese Literature”, World Literature Today (The University of Oklahoma), 71, n. 3, Summer 1997, pp. 495-504
PRIZES
First Prize for Literary Criticism (XIV Concorso Silarus, Battipaglia, Italia, 1982)
Premio Internazionale Mediterraneo (Palermo, 1988)
Malta Government Literary Award (Valletta, 1988)
Premio Sampieri per la Poesia (Marsa Siklah, Sicily, 1995)
Malta Government Literary Award (Valletta, 1996)
Malta Government Literary Award – Special Prize (Valletta, 1997)
Malta Government Literary Award – Special Prize (Valletta, 1999)
Premio Internazionale Trieste Poesia (2002)
Gold Medal 2003 (Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, Valletta)
Premio Il Collegio (Campidoglio, Roma, 2004)
HONOURS
Member of the National Order of Merit (Malta Government, 1999)
Gold Medal, ‘Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce’ (2003)
MEMBERSHIP
Member of ‘Association Internationale des Critiques Litteraires’ (Paris, since 1983)
Member of P.E.N. Club (Switzerland, since 1998).
Contributions to International Journals
Poetry published in:
Ecriture (Lausanne), Europe (Paris), Sources (Namur), Arpa (Clermont-Ferrand, France), Friches (Auch, France), Omprela (Athens), Nuovo contrappunto (Genova), Archenoah (Munchen), La vallisa (Bari), Skylark (Aligarh, India), Florilege (Dijon, France), Cuadernos del matematico (Getafe), Auraq (Pakistan)
Scholarly articles published in:
Journal of Commonwealth Literature (Oxford), Studi danteschi (Florence), Durham University Journal (Durham), Arcadia (Berlin-New York), Revue de Litterature Comparee (Tours), Critica Letteraria (Naples), World Literature Today (Oklahoma), Neohelicon (Budapest), Awal (Paris), Cenobio (Lugano).