President George Vella said he had no power to ignore a law that was democratically passed in Parliament, irrespective of his agreement or otherwise.
His only option not to sign a law is to leave the Presidency is he has "a serious moral objection".
Focus has been thrown on the President who many were seeing as the last possibility for the cannabis law to be stopped.
On Tuesday, Parliament passed a law in favour of recreational use of cannabis, with the opposition voting against and in spite of nearly 60 NGOs speaking against it. The cannabis reform bill will allow the cultivation of cannabis plants and possession of up to 7 grammes of the substance.
“First and foremost, the President must have respect for the State, governance, political stability and even the Constitution itself,” he said while addressing an event commemorating the Republic in Independence Square in Victoria, Gozo.
Reflecting on current realities, President Vella explained the importance of exercising one’s power with respect and consideration for the word and spirit of the Constitution.
“Republic means that a state is defined in politics and all its norms and regulations are governed by the Constitution,” said the President.
He explained how the President represents the State and acts in accordance with the powers conferred on him by the Constitution.
The President added that he listens to the popular voice and conveys his thoughts to those in the Executive, but in no way can the President impose his decisions on others.
“To date, the President does not have the power to ignore a law that was passed democratically by Parliament, whether he agrees with it or not, unless he has such a serious moral objection that he prefers to pack up and go home rather than sign that law,” President Vella added.
The President concluded that his fundamental role was to ensure that political stability was maintained. “No President can, capriciously, create a constitutional crisis. One cannot provide political instability. One must ensure governance, that the country keeps going forward.”