Politicians have a duty to prevent the economy from taking over politics, as they have a duty to manage the economy for the common good, Archbishop Charles Scicluna said on Independence Day.
Scicluna delivered a homily at St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta to mark the 58th year of Malta's Independence. Among the audience were many Maltese politicians from both the PN and PL side, such as Opposition Leader Bernard Grech as well Acting Prime Minister Owen Bonnici
Scicluna said that politicians must correct the market rules which cause those at a material disadvantage - whether personally, emotionally, or socially - to be left behind. Scicluna said solidarity should be practised.
He said that humility is quickly learnt in the political world, which is the conduct of a person who is well-grounded and self-evaluates devoid of 'escapism and inferiority complex.'
Entering politics with humility, "this calling is not merely an invitation to observe the formal and essential etiquette related to correctness and courtesy, but it is also a lesson, particularly with respect to public service, in avoiding the scourge of social climbing (arrivismo); that is, using politics to move ahead of others and achieve recognition and wealth."
He honoured politicians who have dedicated selfless service without expecting anything in return.
"May we continue to have politicians like these because independence - which we acquired in 1964 - needs to be applied with a great sense of responsibility, good governance and rule of law, correctness, integrity, honesty and, above all, rectitude," Scicluna said.
Scicluna continued that solidarity should not only be practised among us, "though that is important, but should also be extended to our brethren whose lives are in peril in the Mediterranean and are knocking at the door of our hearts."
He said that while Malta is right to insist that we should not carry a burden that outweighs resources, "this cannot be justified to turn a deaf ear and harden our hearts when we hear a desperate cry for help."
He saluted the Armed Forces of Malta who provide an effective, serene and powerful response in a moment of crisis with their responsibilities. Scicluna also praised and thanked the State for the support it provides towards initiatives organised by non-governmental organisations.
Scicluna said that it is vital to continue to safeguard the country's cultural, architectural and natural heritage. He said that people must commit to safeguard and put aside personal interests to truly protect the environment by protecting one another.
"We have a duty to do this for future generations; but we would also be short-sighted not to realise that safeguarding our heritage is the biggest contribution we can make to safeguard our wealth," Scicluna said.
Concluding his homily, Scicluna paid tribute to the memory of Queen Elizabeth II who in 1964 signed the Letters Patent that granted Malta the independence that 'people deserved and had long been striving for.'