The President of the Republic of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Deobno, delivered her Republic Day Speech at the Presidential Palace in Valletta earlier today.
The President started by praising Malta’s work in foreign affairs. She said that Malta has strongly upheld its principle of neutrality while Malta advocated for peace across the world. Malta is proving that it can serve as an advocate for peace and stability. She made reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, originally conceived by Arvid Pardo in 1967 and ratified in 1982.
President Spiteri Debono also said that Malta should advocate for the Mediterranean so that the Mediterranean Sea is no longer considered just as the periphery of three continents. On the Near East, the President said that the contribution of civil organisations and small countries needs to increase to replace the growing influence of key players in the region. She specifically mentioned women’s and youths groups in this regard. The President also condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and said that Malta continues to support Ukraine in its fight for justice. She also particularly mentioned the cause on the return of Ukrainian children and the Special Tribunal on Russian war crimes.
The President urged the nation to address the plight of transgender individuals needing medical care to effect their transition. She also strongly advocated for the plight of the homeless and the young people who can not afford a roof on their head. She underlined the European Social Charter which promises decent housing for Europeans. The President said that people should not be allowed to fall into the nightmare of homelessness.
She also warned about the rise of the far-right in Europe and said that the nation had to foster economic opportunities and dignity for everyone to avoid the rise of the far-right in Malta. She also appealed that for any constitutional changes there should be wide-reaching agreement by both sides in Parliament including on the decision of the Chief Justice. She underlined that political consensus is a sign of maturity.
You can listen to the full speech of the President here.
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