A monument in honour of former Prime Minister Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici was unveiled in Castille Square, Valletta, on Tuesday.
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Robert Abela noted how Mifsud Bonnici, who died three years ago, was a lawyer and politician who always embraced the values of social justice, integrity, and humility. He stated that Mifsud Bonnici gave us the most precious thing - his time. He explained that his availability and willingness to help people were truly admirable, and he was a strong voice for workers.
The monument commemorating this figure in Malta's political history was crafted in Italy through collaboration between Heritage Malta and the Ministry for Culture, Lands and Local Government, under the auspices of the Office of the Prime Minister.
Designed by Maltese artist Manuel Farrugia, the monument consists of a pedestal made from Maltese hardstone and a bronze statue, the government said in a statement. This realistic and contemporary monument portrays Mifsud Bonnici as the person he truly was - dedicated to his work, close to the people, and always ready to listen to others.
Abela stated that the legacy Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici left behind continues to shape and enrich the nation today.
"As a politician, he thought about the future. He was formidable in his thinking and determined to achieve his goals. During a time of political developments, he insisted on and succeeded in introducing the principle of neutrality, together with another change we still live by today - that the will of the majority of the people is supreme - a legal amendment that strengthened democracy and brought stability," the Prime Minister said.
Abela added that for Mifsud Bonnici, Malta was not just a small island but part of a larger Mediterranean reality. For him, there was one world composed of diverse peoples who should be free and able to choose their leaders and their political and social systems.
"When he introduced the principle of neutrality, he also emphasised that in disputes between nations, we should always seek specific means for resolution. This remains relevant to this very day," said the Prime Minister, underlining the enduring legacy of former Maltese Prime Minister Mifsud Bonnici.
Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government Owen Bonnici remarked that there was not a separate Karmenu the politician, Karmenu the lawyer, and Karmenu the private individual - there was only one authentic Karmenu, a man who gave his heart to workers and to Malta.
Minister Bonnici described Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici as a gentleman, a man of principle who never compromised on what was right and just. He stated that money never influenced Mifsud Bonnici; as a lawyer, he was compassionate towards his clients, and as a lecturer at the University, he even shared part of his income with students in need. He added that this monument is the least the Maltese State can do to honour a gentleman who gave everything for the country he so deeply loved.
Heritage Malta Chairman Mario Cutajar said that Mifsud Bonnici's kindness, humanity, and humility are well known and widely recognised - but his political, legal, and intellectual legacy is less so. What he left behind is still reflected today in the stable democracy we live in and the peace we enjoy despite the challenges around us. He stated that national monuments, which also fall under Heritage Malta's responsibility, should serve - just like the agency's museums and heritage sites - as reminders of the people's experiences, helping us understand ourselves better and look to the future with greater confidence.