National unity, protecting the environment, promoting the Maltese language, and working against the stigma of mental health are amongst the goals of the President for the coming year.

New Year’s resolutions are something of a yearly tradition, and while many tend to veer more towards amending their chocolate consumption – something which invariably doesn’t last long, there are understandably more pressing priorities if one happens to be the President of Malta.

The Malta Independent asked President George Vella what his resolutions are for the New Year, and what his areas of focus will be.

“I’d rather say I have goals rather than resolutions; a firm commitment towards certain issues which are very close to my heart rather than the vague intention that usually characterises our traditional New Year resolutions. More often than not, in fact, these resolutions are dropped within a few days or weeks”, he said.

The President said that he is determined to follow through on a number of commitments, including that of urging national unity.

“If we do not act in unison we will go backward instead of moving forward. When we rally around clear, common, goals, we will be able to speak in international fora with our head held high”, he said.

“Following the setbacks because of the Covid-19 pandemic, we now look forward to the committee in charge of the Constitutional Reform to be able to make significant progress in light of the broad consultation process that has taken place. I am determined to see that, once a Constitutional Convention is formed, civil society, non-governmental organisations, and the people in general will have an important role to play - the process will not be dominated by the influence of political parties”, he added.

On the topic of national unity, the President noted how one driver of such unity is our national language.

“Throughout 2021, I will also keep stressing the need for the promotion of the Maltese language – a hallmark of our national identity. It is important not only to encourage a more prolific use of our national language but also to ensure that, when used, the language is spoken and written correctly. In this respect, the media has a great power, but also responsibility, to help enrich and unite our society”, he said.

The President said that he will also continue advocating for the protection of Malta’s natural heritage, stressing the importance of ensuring that progress in the urban sphere does not continue degrading what remains of our natural environment – something which he has already spoken about at length during 2020, including his Republic Day speech.

“The balance between the urban and natural environment is, regrettably, too close to being jeopardised”, he warned.

He noted that another commitment topping his agenda is “to continue to help raise further community awareness of mental health issues and stigmatisation.”

“The pandemic has had its toll also on people’s mental health, and it is – now more than ever before – of utmost importance that we also safeguard our people’s mental wellbeing during this time of concern and anxiety”, he concluded.