Anyone commuting on foot through Republic Street in Valletta is bound, some time or later, to catch a glimpse of the monument outside the Law Courts in Valletta, dedicated to former President de Marco. The monument shows Prof. de Marco with his right hand ready for the handshake and his autobiography “Politics of persuasion” in his left hand.
This month, we will be commemorating the thirteenth anniversary of his demise. We cannot afford not to recall his lifetime achievements in both the political and legal worlds, as well as in international forums. Let us remember this champion of the ‘politics of persuasion’, a political bridge-builder of a kind, and one of Malta’s leading and unparalleled criminal lawyers. How can one forget those evocative and mesmerising speeches of his in the political arena, or those erudite and inculcating legal pleadings within the solemn atmosphere of our law courts?
As a politician, Guido, as he is affectionately remembered, had the unique knack of coming up with effective strategies that could easily outdo the most formidable of political adversaries. In politics, he constantly adhered to fundamental principles in which he convincingly believed. On the international scene, he proved himself to be a diplomat with powers of persuasion, for which he became justly famous. As a statesman, he served his country with dignity, foresight and intelligence. As an ordinary man, he was a gentleman, who was as kindhearted as he could be pugnacious, in defending any cause to which he was ready to give his heart and soul.
I had the fortune of having various encounters with him and could easily discern a humble character, who recognised the dignity and intrinsic value of each and every person he met. He often used to speak to me in a most passionate manner about Julius Caesar, whom he admired because he had changed history. Indeed, he often referred to history as a guide to change. With such an inspired frame of mind, it was he who helped resolve a serious political impasse, as resulting from the 1981 election result, that had brought about the subsequent constitutional changes. It was he who made history, and reached a notable and historical milestone, when he was elected president of the UN General Assembly. He also had the privilege of submitting Malta's bid for membership in the European Union.
Guido’s external appearance might have deceitfully led one to conclude that he was a man of pomp and ceremony. But nothing was further from the truth. As a formidable lawyer and a highly respected politician, both in government and opposition, thirteen years ago, this nation lost a man. A man who was just as ordinary but chose to be an uncommon man, for he felt that this was his right. He was a lawyer and a statesman. More than that, however, he cherished a place that was vastly more sacred and noble in form in the hearts of commoners. He was their hero. He was a selfless defender and guardian of the law and righteousness, a friend to the marginalised and oppressed.
He was a towering beacon of hope for those whom the roots of injustice had imperilled. He was the people’s lawyer. Guido was an indefatigable and gallant defender of the rule of law and the Maltese Constitution. He fought both for the causes he believed in and the causes of the people at large, fierily, without any fear or favour. And the price for this came heftily in the form of detrimental consequences whenever he, and even his immediate family members, were unjustly and brutally subjected to various forms of verbal and physical violence.
When, way back in the 80s, Malta was at the peak of a very acute national crisis, many had expected a dispirited and crestfallen Guido politician to just call it a day. However, what came instead was a man who marched valiantly through, enraged and even more determined, to set right the course of justice that had been misdirected and trampled upon. This was what inspired people the most about Guido. His warrior spirit : despite the impossible odds that may have existed, he was one to see past them with ultimate optimism.
He was not a lawyer who won every case that he took on. He, too, had his fair share of losses. What was admirable about Guido was the fact that in every case he fought, he fought with diligence and courage. He gave every legal challenge he mounted an equal and unqualified share of his utmost best. No case was paid less attention to or given less priority. If he lost a case, it would be with dignity. His clients, too, knew this well.
Lionhearted, Guido was. He possessed, at the same time, all the best qualities and what it takes to be an ideal lawyer and seasoned politician. A man so true to what he believed in that no possible form of affliction, persecution or injustice could ever cause him to be untrue to what he held on to and triumphed so dearly. At the time when the crisis referred to above was nearing breaking point, I can clearly recall him personally telling me in a passionate manner, "They can lock me up; they can do whatever they want to me. But I know that I’ll be in there with my integrity intact."
He will be remembered for representing a fearless source of unfettered inspiration to all.