In Her Words: President Of Malta Talks Journalism, Drugs And Constitutional Reform
President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca gave her annual Republic Day speech today where she spoke about the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, the country’s economic successes and some key policy issues, including matters like Constitutional reform, drug use and prostitution. Here’s a summary, in her words of the key parts of her speech.
1. A summary of 2017
“The past 12 months have brought about happiness and satisfaction, but also moments of concern and distress. They were twelve vibrant months, a year to be proud of our economic growth, which has placed us at the peak of European economic success; with the lowest unemployment rate of all time and with the achievement of more civil rights, among other achievements. On the other hand, we faced the brutal killing of the journalist Mrs Daphne Caruana Galizia, which shocked everyone and which has resulted in negative consequences both in Malta and abroad. It was also a year in which we were democratically called upon, as a nation, to participate in a general election which, unfortunately, brought about a repetition of historical situations, where we once again witnessed unbridled partisanship at its worst.”
2. The Rule of Law
“In these past weeks we have spoken a lot about the rule of law. The rule of law is the deterrent against autocracy and the abuse of power. I believe that the rule of law is as strong as the people acknowledge it to be, how much they believe in it, cherish it and continue to support it. If, as a nation, we end up believing that the law of power outstrips the rule of law, it will be difficult to strengthen the rule of law and to maintain its place as a key element in a strong democracy.”
3. Constitutional reform
“After a number of meetings with the leaders of our country and other people, both during the past weeks as well as in the past years, I believe there is no time to be lost. The main political parties in our country have, for a number of years, admitted, declared and promised, that a Constitutional reform should be carried out. As I have often stated, the Constitutional reform should encourage and involve the full participation of the entire nation. I truly believe that this process should be a public and transparent one…”
“The Constitution is as strong as the people’s knowledge of it, making it their living legal, moral and ethical guide and feeling ownership over it. Therefore, I hope that the Constitutional renewal will be an educational process for everyone. While legal issues should be discussed and taken on board, the process of renewal should be a continuous and participative reflection on what it means to live in a healthy democracy in the twenty-first century and how our democracy should continue to be strengthened, by institutions that are trusted by all.”
4. Journalism and freedom of expression
“I wish to express my solidarity with journalists, who like us were all shocked by the brutal murder of Mrs Caruana Galizia. We understand that the condemnation for this horrendous act is no consolation for the victim’s family. On the other hand, the developments that occurred in the investigations should give us hope that justice will be served. I take this opportunity to thank the Forces of law and order in our country, as well as the foreign agencies, who have assisted them in shedding some light on this macabre case.”
“Meanwhile, the work of journalists is essential for democracy. I would like to encourage Maltese journalists to continue to seek the truth scrupulously, in an unbiased and impartial manner. I therefore, would like to encourage journalists to be courageous and to keep on giving us the services that they have always given us, without fear or prejudice. Freedom of expression is sacred to democracy, but it also carries with it responsibilities, based on facts and not half-truths or speculations. It is important that, as a nation, we understand that freedom of expression should never result in abuse.”
5. On the ‘culture of verbal violence’
“I have been observing, for some time, that a culture is emerging, where modern means of communication are used to humiliate and vilify those who, through a subjective lens, are considered rivals because of their different opinions. Unfortunately, this culture of verbal violence is not only becoming an integral part of our lives, but it now seems that we are promoting it as part of our right to freedom of expression, as if this culture is a democratic tool and a burden which everyone in public life has to bear. Constructive criticism is essential in a democracy, but calumnies and insults undermine it.”
“Partisanship is undermining the democratic fibre of our country and is dividing us into political tribes. Partisanship is not only closing the door to educational dialogue, but is also threatening every effort being made by the institutions and educational bodies to foster a democratic culture in our children. I hereby appeal to everyone to send a clear message, that we will not tolerate behaviour and words that threaten our democracy through contempt for each other. I believe that, in doing so, our democracy will be further strengthened.”
6. ‘Drugs are our enemy’
“The families and individuals who are affected, have asked me to convey the message that drugs have no recreational value and that drugs are our enemy and not our, or our children’s, friends. Therefore, I appeal to our legislators, before taking any decisions, to create a safe space for a national debate, in which partisanship has no place, so that not only will we have wider participation, but also make informed decisions based on research and experience. In this area we are lucky because we already have individuals, families, professionals and non-governmental organisations, with experience, as well as national research that can guide the national discussion on which a decision can be taken.”
“In the various discussions I have had with a number of people who are still in the rehabilitation process, or have already been rehabilitated, they always mention their concerns regarding delays in the field of justice on their pending cases. Therefore, I once again appeal to our authorities to take the necessary steps, to ensure that we address this problem, which does not pertain to particular individuals or families, but which has a lasting effect on society in general.”
7. Prostitution should be decriminalised
“In recent months, the President’s Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, together with voluntary organisations, individuals and entities interested in the promotion of human rights, political, local and international activists and people who have experienced prostitution, have all discussed the liberalisation of prostitution. We have examined different legal scenarios, we have closely looked at contrasting international realities and have taken into account the consequences from every possible angle. The more narratives I hear, some of which make one shudder, of the violent abuse of the female body, the more I am convinced, that with respect for Maltese women and girls and with respect for the millions of women who are being violated in all ways, the progressive way forward, in this regard, is to decriminalise the victims.”
“A number of progressive countries like Sweden, France, Iceland, Canada and Ireland, during the discussion process about the future of the law on prostitution in their respective countries, decided not to take risks which could threaten the dignity of women and therefore, chose to go for full prevention, in favour of dignity. As a Head of State who has always been close to the people, where my voice is the voice of the people, I appeal for an open national debate, where everyone can be heard. Let us not risk having contradictions in the sphere of civil rights in our country.”
8. Technology’s impact on relationships
“We also have the responsibility to reflect on the consequences of living a life next to, rather than with others. A life where, solidarity takes the form of occasional charity, where private wealth becomes more important than the common good, where we communicate with gadgets rather than with people. For example, a life where on social occasions, such as during a family meal, we are more concerned about our virtual ‘friends’ than the family members gathered around the time. These reflections do not only have personal implications, but have a strong socio-political effect. If we do not reflect critically about what is happening around us in this regard, then there will come a time when values, such as solidarity and social justice will be considered as past values.”
9. The housing market
“The forecast of a healthy economy growth means that the rental market will continue to demand higher rents. This means that if we take our time to address this problem, more people will go from one village to another, looking for affordable rents so that they can have more disposable income, with which to live. Such a situation could have devastating effects on the children of these families, who will not live in a stable community, where they can feel included. We must ensure that the economic success of our country does not leave victims in its wake. Therefore, the White Paper on the reform of the rental sector, which has been promised by the government authorities, is crucial, so that the consultation and discussion about solutions in this sector are implemented in the shortest time possible. The longer we take to find solutions that respect all the parties involved, the more money our country will have to spend, to address the damage which these high rents are causing to vulnerable families.”
Remember last year’s speech? Check it out here.
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