President George Vella, in what should be his final speech on Republic Day, shared his thoughts on a myriad subjects that concern Maltese society.

His term is due to expire on 4 April, but unless the two sides of the House of Representatives come to an agreement on his successor, there is a chance that Vella will be asked to stay on, as laid down in the Constitution, or is temporarily replaced by an Acting President.

In his lengthy address on Wednesday, Vella touched on topics ranging from migration, mental health, foreign affairs, constitutional changes, pollution, the family, climate change, the environment, population growth and many more.

But his main focus was on young people and education.

“I have in mind an education that not only gives individuals knowledge in languages, sciences, philosophy and literature, but above all gives them direction in life, embracing values and principles that guide them throughout their lives and through the worst storms they may encounter,” Vella said.

“This type of education,” he continued, “has always been ideal, but in today’s world, these values, this life compass, have become much more necessary because of the great dangers, difficulties and challenges that our youths face on a daily basis.”

We share the President’s views.

One could also note a hint of disappointment in the way the President views the older generations. Vella did not seem happy that adults are not giving a good example to the younger people, and their behaviour is discouraging youths from participation in public life, including politics. “Corruption, both proven and alleged, gnaws at the very backbone of democracy, and deters those who wish to participate in political and public life,” he said.

He believes that investment in young people is the way forward for a better country.

“I believe this would be an investment in our future,” he said. “We would be investing in representatives of the people, and in public administrators who protect our country’s best interests, both locally and when they represent us in international fora abroad. Despite all of life’s glittering distractions, our youths face a not insignificant number of social problems as they go about their daily lives. We can mention ever-rising property prices, which for many of our youths mean years and years of interest and capital payments.”

The President himself admitted that his focus on Republic Day was young people.

“I chose to give this much importance to youths, on this occasion, because they are the ones who will have to face and seek out solutions for our country’s problems. The only tool and resource our country has is human resources. It is time to ask ourselves, responsibly: “Where is Malta heading?” Or better still: “Where will we take Malta in the future?”

Whether the young people of today heard the President’s words and, more importantly, whether they will take his advice, is the big question.