President George Abela said that the only two national holidays should be the commemoration of the country’s independence on 21 September, and 13 December when Malta became a republic.

The head of state made this statement during his speech as part of the ceremony to commemorate the 38th anniversary since Malta became a republic. 

His declaration is expected to ruffle some feathers in the Labour camp, which considers Freedom Day as equally important. As a matter of fact this sentiment was evident in the social networks, with Labour sympathizers expressing themselves against this proposal which ironically was made by the former Labour deputy Leader.

Dr Abela opened his address saying that this is the fourth year of his term as head of state, and wanted to express his views on some issues related to this occasion. He said that on a political level, in 1974 Malta made the transition from a monarchic to a republican state, thus gaining more autonomy. The incumbent president saluted his predecessors for their efforts to defend the country’s constitution.

Undoubtedly the most controversial part of his speech was on the issue of the national days.  He said that at present Malta has five national days. However while acknowledging their historical importance, he said that time is ripe to reach an agreement to have only two national holidays. Dr Abela said that he is convinced that there is now the required political maturity to take this bold step. 

The president expressed his belief that national days have to reflect the special significance and relevance to the political history in the context of the developments which led the country to achieve its sovereign, independent and republican status. As a result he made his case for Independence Day and Republic Day to be the sole national days.

Elaborating further to make his case, Dr Abela said that on 21 September Malta became a sovereign state and became member of the United Nations. For the very first time it was no longer a colony, after that the majority of the electorate voted in favour of independence in a referendum.

As for Republic Day, the president said that this marked the moment when Malta was free to decide whether it wanted to remain a monarchic state or become a republic. He remarked that back in 1974, the vast majority of MPs had backed the proposal for Malta to become a republic, which in concrete terms meant that for the very first time the country had a Maltese head of state. Dr Abela also suggested that a monument should be erected to emphasize the importance of Republic Day, in a prominent location.

The head of state also referred to the political crisis which led to the collapse of government on Monday, and subsequently to the announcement that parliament will be dissolved on 7 January, in view of the 9 March general election.

He said that he consented to the prime minister’s recommendation after arriving to the conclusion that the government’s position was no longer tenable and that this was in the national interest. He explained that the decision was taken after he consulted with the opposition leader, the Speaker and the Electoral Commissioner. Dr Abela remarked that this was the right time for him to intervene, and not before as was suggested in some quarters.

The head of state urged political parties and supporters to remain calm and contribute for a civil electoral campaign which is due to start on 7 January. He said that parliament’s duty is twofold – to enact laws while at the same time ensure that there are the necessary checks and balances to keep government under constant scrutiny. Dr Abela said that this is done through parliamentary questions, motions and investigations by the permanent committees of the House of Representatives.

The head of state expressed his wish that this institution is granted greater autonomy and referred to the discussion held earlier this year by the President’s Forum when a series of proposals where put forward. These would pave the way for a revision of the constitution. Dr Abela said that it would be worthwhile if both parties include some of these proposals in their respective electoral programmes. He remarked that  some anachronistic provisions which are remnants of the nation’s colonial past need to be removed, as well as some of the legal functions which are no longer justified in this day and age.

The president lauded the fact that the nomination of Tonio Borg for European Commissioner received unanimous approval by government and opposition, remarking that this is a vivid example where national interest has prevailed. He extended this argument to the the decision to postpone the electoral campaign after the festive season.

Dr Abela stressed that every individual has to be guaranteed the right to express his views freely, which is a basic pre-requisite for a true democracy. He expressed his hope that this fundamental right will be observed in the coming weeks.

In his concluding remarks the president referred to the awards for those individuals who distinguish themselves for their contribution to society in general. He said that this year no less than 18 persons will be receiving some form of acknowledgement for their efforts in the voluntary, civil and professional sectors.