Repubblika graciously received newly-inaugurated President Myriam Spiteri Debono’s speech today following her swearing in. It said the speech reflects Repubblika’s hopes for the new presidency.

The comments of the President regarding the open and “bleeding” wound surrounding the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia were much appreciated by the NGO, which reiterated the President’s call to implement the recommendations of the public inquiry, following the murder, that has been ready for nearly three years.

The President’s emphasis on the need for reforms to protect freedom of expression and journalism was appreciated by Repubblika as government’s promise of a White Paper with reforms protecting journalists was not upheld. It also appreciated the President’s ambition to discuss changes in the constitution.

Repubblika supports the values the President upholds for example, the use of constitutional mechanisms that would push the political parties to work towards a consensus in their decisions. It reminded the recent reform which saw government remove the necessity of 2/3’s to appoint a Commissioner of Standards of Public Life but it agreed with the President that the rule of 2/3’s is not an obstacle but a tool in certain circumstances.

The President’s observation on the necessity of constitutional amendments to remove the disadvantage for those who vote for small parties was also lauded by Repubblika who said that their own proposals for parliamentary reforms were to make a truly representative parliament whilst monitoring the government.

Furthermore, Repubblika welcomed the President’s remarks on foreigners and renewed the appeal, made by government during consultation, for a system of politics against racism, so that foreigners will no longer be exploited but recognized as our compatriots. It expects government to implement its system of politics against hate and racism targeting foreigners.