Watch: Francis Zammit Dimech Given Emotional Marching Band Funeral And Dar Ċentrali Send-Off
As the funeral for former PN MP Francis Zammit Dimech kicked off moments ago, a solemn marching band slowly made its way through the Balluta promenade as people filled the church alongside a waiting orchestra in honour of the beloved politician.
The funeral, which started just before 2pm, brought a long line of people to sign Zammit Dimech’s condolences book, with a number of politicians from both sides of the aisle, including Prime Minister Robert Abela and Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg from the Labour Party. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, who this morning paid tribute to her late mentor, was also seen entering the church ahead of the funeral.
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The former minister and acting president was a PN stalwart for decades ever since his first election to parliament back in 1987, but was beloved by many, particularly for his role in liberalising the country’s telecommunications sector in the early 1990s. From Tourism and Environment Minister to Foreign Affairs and Transport and Communications, Zammit Dimech oversaw a number of important portfolios over some of Malta’s most formative decades.
With some in attendance today reflecting on how the 70-year-old politician was finally free from suffering after battling a long illness, the sombre affair also served as proof of the legacy that Francis Zammit Dimech had left, and how much he was loved and respected by many.
Later in the afternoon, Zammit Dimech’s funeral corteo made an emotional stop at PN’s Dar Ċentrali, the political headquarters he called home for a number of decades.
With a large banner bearing his photo and the words “Thank you Francis” on it, the Pieta building hosted major political faces from PN’s past and present who all showed up to pay their respects to Zammit Dimech, who was first elected to parliament all the way back in 1987.
The mood was solemn all throughout the funeral in Balluta, but as the hearse carrying Zammit Dimech arrived in front of Dar Ċentrali, the gathered politicians erupted in applause to honour their colleague and mentor.
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All footage by Ana Tortell
Rest In Peace
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