Today marks the 50th anniversary of Malta’s transition to a republic, a pivotal moment in the island’s history that set the country on a new path of constitutional and democratic development. In her address to commemorate this milestone, the President of Malta reflected on the nation’s achievements over the past five decades and highlighted areas that still require improvement.

“Fifty years ago today, the people’s representatives in their absolute majority, decided that Malta becomes a Republic,” the President began, acknowledging the significance of the decision that took place in 1974. This moment was built on the foundation of sovereignty established ten years earlier with Malta’s granting of independence. With the shift to a republic, the head of state was no longer a foreigner, and Malta was fully able to exercise governance through its own representatives, ensuring that the state was personified by its people.

The President took a moment to pay tribute to the individuals who held the office of President before her. She saluted and expressed gratitude to the many Presidents who shaped the office with dignity, sensitivity, and humanity. She listed Sir Anthony Mamo, Anton Buttigieg, Agatha Barbara, Paul Xuereb, and Censu Tabone, all of whom had made significant contributions to Malta’s political and social development. She also acknowledged the work of six other Presidents who followed, including Ugo Mifsud Bonnici, Guido de Marco, Eddie Fenech Adami, George Abela, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, and George Vella.

Reflecting on her own first year in office, the President emphasised the significance of the changes brought about by the 2020 constitutional amendments, which allowed for a more unified and consensus-driven political landscape. She noted that consensus is not achieved overnight but requires time and effort, a process evident in the long discussions and negotiations that led to Malta’s Republic status.

The President also called for further reforms, particularly in the electoral system, to ensure a more accurate representation of voters in Parliament. She stressed that there remains work to be done in terms of strengthening the representation of minority groups and ensuring that the system works for all citizens. “More needs to be done in order to perfect the correlation between voters at first count and seats in Parliament,” she said, urging for reforms that would reflect votes in a more equitable manner.

She also turned her attention to local governance, specifically the role of Local Councils, which were introduced thirty years ago to give citizens a more direct voice in the management of their communities. However, she noted that there is still a lack of coordination between local and central authorities, calling for a clearer flow of information between them.

In her address, the President underscored the importance of maintaining strong and independent institutions to safeguard citizens’ rights. She highlighted the creation of the Ombudsman office in 1995, the Auditor General’s office in 1997, and the establishment of the Commissioner for Standards in 2017, which are all vital to ensuring scrutiny and transparency in government. However, she questioned whether the Commissioner for Standards has the necessary resources to be effective, especially when decisions often appear to be made along party lines.

Turning to the role of Parliament, the President expressed concern over the ethical conduct of elected representatives. “Respect for institutions depends on the behaviour of the occupant’s role,” she said, emphasising that the actions of any individual MP reflect on the entire institution. She called for a closer examination of the Parliamentary system, particularly the question of whether MPs should be full-time and how political party financing is regulated.

In addition to discussing governance, the President also touched on various social issues, including housing, youth concerns, and human rights. She acknowledged the significant challenges young people face when trying to purchase their first home, and outlined the need for a holistic approach to urban planning, infrastructure, and work conditions. On human rights, she took pride in Malta’s consistent ranking at the top of the Europe Rainbow Map Equality Index, a testament to the country’s progressive reforms and its focus on creating an inclusive society.

The President also commended the resilience of the Maltese people, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite global challenges, Malta’s efforts were successful in managing the crisis, and the country’s tourism industry has bounced back, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

“Malta is a nation that does not stand still,” she said. “Evolution is a continuous process, and one has to be ever ready to effect all necessary changes and change accordingly.”

She noted that while Malta has made significant strides in sectors such as education, employment, and governance, there is always room for improvement.

She concluded by addressing the importance of youth engagement and the need to continue building Malta’s international profile. She highlighted Gozo’s upcoming role as the Region of Culture for 2025 and reiterated the importance of maintaining strong connectivity between the islands. “Gozo has a very particular ethos,” she said, “on one side consisting of the intrinsic psychological independence of the Gozitans and on the other side the dependence Gozo has on Malta as the biggest island of our Archipelago.”

Reflecting on Malta’s diplomatic legacy, the President pointed to the country’s role in advocating for peace and social progress on the global stage. She noted that Malta’s consistent efforts, such as its promotion of the concept of the “Common Heritage of Mankind” at the United Nations and its focus on Mediterranean security, have earned the country widespread international credibility.

The President’s address concluded with a call for continued progress, stating that “We are not in any way inferior to other peoples. We have seen and we are seeing this, in practice.” She reminded the citizens of Malta to uphold the good qualities of hard work, resilience, solidarity, and proper behaviour that have defined the nation’s success. These qualities, she concluded, are what will ensure that Malta continues to thrive in the years ahead. “These are the citizens Malta deserves!”