As a nation we are fully aware of the difficulties, threats and challenges faced by marginalised and vulnerable groups, not only inside our societies but also outside them.
We recognise that an inclusive dialogue acts as the starting point for building a prosperous, peaceful and equally shared future, particularly when we provide the necessary space and proper tools for everyone to come up with ideas and proposals for the policy-makers to consider.
Enhancing social dialogue
This was basically my line of thought when speaking in Parliament this week during the debate on the legislative proposals for a fully structured Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD). Taking stock of its validity over the years, one cannot but move ahead with establishing this important forum on a solid legislative setting. We intend to make the council more inclusive through statutory regulation, introducing the new concept of a from-the-bottom-up process in which all the partners will raise issues and arguments that emanate from the grassroots they represent.
We all agree that the government has the mandate to decide and legislate and that this can be better implemented after considerate listening and consultation. In fact, this has been the practice ever since Labour was elected to govern by a historic majority over 40 months ago. Each Cabinet member has been committed to presenting its performance on a twice-yearly basis and listening to further comments and suggestions from our grassroots. ‘A government that listens’ is far from being just a slogan, as all the sessions turned out to be fruitful events at which constructive criticism and proposals were taken on board.
Consultation with all stakeholders has, in fact, been the norm with my Parliamentary Secretariat, with long weeks and months of listening, planning and formulating the extensive line-up of policies, strategies and legislation in the elderly and disability sectors. Some public instances during this process have caught the attention of the media, but further internal debates with individual stakeholders and experts have been the order of the day. The ‘from-the-bottom-up principle has been applied all along and further strengthened with specific legislation to enable the beneficiaries themselves to participate in the decision-making process.
Respect for the Republic’s authority
Respecting the main pillars of our Republican Constitution has been and will always need to be paramount, in full recognition of all its established authorities and entities. Ironically, this was at stake on the eve of Republic Day last week, when we debated the Opposition’s challenge to the Speaker’s ruling. For the umpteenth time, we saw proof of its symptomatically negative attitude towards all the country’s highest institutions, unaware as it seems to be of being ousted from power in the most historic way in 2013.
Being critical by the use of constructive alternatives and seeking redress for anything they oppose is in order, and Parliament is the best place for the Opposition to work along those lines. But opposing anything, at any cost, and challenging every rational decision as a matter of course can be tantamount to destabilising the constitutional authority of the national pillars of law and order.
It was yet another welcome opportunity for me to speak up in Parliament and point out such dangers that can have devastating consequences in people’s minds and attitudes towards the country’s authorities. I reiterated my sincere appeal to all those who should know better that hate language and negative attitudes in Malta’s highest institution can only lead to worse divisions within a hard-working and peace-loving nation.
International honour for the Speaker
Monday’s debate challenging the Speaker’s ruling was immediately followed by the good news of his appointment as the first-ever chairman of the Small Branches of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. It made me recall Voltaire’s remark: “The little may contrast with the great, and they produce an ill effect because they shock the eye when brought very near to the truth.”
Dr Anġlu Farrugia’s appointment is an honour for our Parliament in that it reflects the respect Malta enjoys at international fora. His election to the post highlights the pressing need of small legislations within the Commonwealth to come together, within their smallness, to address common difficulties and strengths and share experiences of their parliaments or legislative assemblies. Malta has learned to appreciate the strengths that being a small country bring: being flexible enough to be able to work with other parliaments, yet big enough to be influential.
Dr Farrugia’s appointment encourages us as Parliamentarians to be leaders in understanding our citizens and advocate in the best interest of our countries. Our actions – both locally and at multilateral levels – need to be consistent within the contemporary challenges such as social inclusion, unemployment and the ever-increasing importance of combating terrorism – local, regional and worldwide.
High-level meeting in Rome
Terrorism and extremism were also the theme of a high-level meeting I had the honour of attending in Rome last Thursday. The meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) was on ‘Interreligious Dialogue to Counter Violent Extremism’. I have now been quite active for many years within the PAM and Commonwealth structures and it was indeed a real opportunity to address my colleagues gathered in the magnificent setting of Palazzo Madama, the seat of the Italian Senate.
We were welcomed by Senate President Pietro Grasso, himself a former Italian anti-mafia magistrate. Our former colleague on PAM events, Paolo Gentiloni, had just been elected as Italy’s new Prime Minister, after three years serving as his country’s Foreign Minister – with very close ties to our own Minister George Vella. Premier Gentiloni also featured on our agenda, but he had to be in Brussels for an EU council meeting. Ministers and parliamentarians from all Mediterranean countries attended the meeting that came in the wake of further atrocities in Syria and other violence around a region that is, ironically, the birthplace of different religions.
In my speech, I emphasised the importance of continuous and sustained inter-Parliamentary cooperation and dialogue on issues of common concern, especially when addressing extremism and the recruitment of young individuals for terrorism purposes. This should positively complement governmental and regional efforts in addressing the root causes that lead to isolation, alienation, radicalisation and violent extremism. Ultimately, this contributes to discredit and dispel terrorists’ narratives and false promises and to equip our citizens with the necessary tools to combat extremism in an educated and non-violent way.
When in Rome...
Being in Rome at this time of the year, I felt duty-bound to visit the Maltese – or, rather the Gozitan – crib in the heart of Bernini’s majestic colonnade. It brought to mind the great talents of fellow Gozitan artist Manuel Grech whom, I staunchly encouraged in his challenge for this great experience since the very first days of his proposal. No words can explain the sensation of witnessing the hundreds of visitors from around the world flocking around our own presepju in admiration of the hard work put in by Manuel and his team. The whole concept is indeed an admirable representation of what Malta and Gozo can boast of – both culturally and traditionally.
The Christmas atmosphere in Rome brought to mind the Bethlehem in Għajnsielem annual experience, which I enjoyed visiting last Sunday together with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. This is another place where Gozitan talents can be seen at their best – demonstrating an inspirational team spirit, the results of which attract thousands of people, year after year.
And last but not least, a special mention goes to the Xewkija Band for its impeccable concert on behalf of the patronal feast of the Malta Band Clubs Association – St Cecila – on 13 December. Maestro Tony Borg and his bandsmen made what was the first performance by a Gozitan band at the prestigious Manoel Theatre a memorable occasion.
To all those mentioned in my piece today, to all The Malta Independent on Sunday’s readers, editors and staff and their loved ones, my sincere wishes for a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas.