The start of George Vella's Presidency was marked by "unprecedented circumstances", the President said in a speech for the first anniversary since taking on his position.

Vella said the year included both international and national events, but in the end the Maltese always showed their true character. He said that solidarity and community shone through, during these trying moments. "I always insisted on these values, during the last 12 months, and I will keep on insisting on them throughout this Presidency."

The moment difficult times, for the President, were during the December period, when a political situation, without precedent, arose and he had to react carefully and per the Constitution.

In this difficult circumstance, Vella said he appealed for calm and for everyone to be conscious of their responsibilities.

The President also mentioned the period of transition, until Prime Minister, Robert Abela took up the role. "It was a time when the political maturity of the Maltese shone through, as well as a sense of respect and values." Vella thanked everyone who cooperated to cease the tension, without reducing any civil rights, and allowing the democratic process to work.

During these times, the President said he kept silent to allow justice to take place through the investigation on the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia. This murder threw a dark shadow on the national conscious, and Vella said that in a reasonable time, justice needs to be done and all those involved in the atrocious act get what they deserve.

Appeals for Constitutional Reforms ensued and "we became more conscious on the need that certain parts of the Constitution need changing to reflect modern times and the future."The next step, in this regard, is that with further public consultation, the road is prepared for a Constitutional Convention.

Vella went on to note that the most impactful event of the last few months was the Coronavirus. He said that in Malta, the measures being taken, are being done at the right time, so as the virus does not spread too fast.

Personally, the President said that his role has presented him with challenges but also with satisfaction, through the various meetings he had through the year. He mentions his audience with Pope Francis, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Queen Elisabeth II, Prince Charles, English Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and many more.

Locally, the President said he enjoyed meeting people, private companies and NGOs.

Vella said that we need to look forward, in a postive manner, and that in his second year as President, first and foremost he wants that Malta is rid of the Coronavirus in shortest time possible. He also hopes that that the appointments that were postponed, like the visit of Pope Francis to Malta, will reappear in his diary, as soon as possible.