President makes call for public forum to discuss Constitutional reform

President George Abela has expressed his wish to preside over a wide representation of society that will discuss Constitutional reform, and to get both sides of the House to resume meeting in the Select Committee for the Strengthening of Democracy, in a bid to reach agreement on "necessary" constitutional reforms.

Abela was delivering his speech on Republic Day during the conferral of the national honours, where he called for the creation of public forum within the next six months to discuss which constitutional reforms may be necessary.

"It is my wish that this be done in a mature way with public participation so that the discussion would be diffused among all sectors of society," Abela said. "I am always available to play my part, if so requested, with the sole purpose of strengthening democracy."

The President suggested that this 'constituent assembly' would be composed of representatives of all political parties, civil society and anyone interested in contributing towards a new Constitution.

Evidently cognisant of the fact that the meetings of the parliamentary committee on democracy have been suspended since 2010 due to the Opposition's boycott in protest at a controversial Speaker's ruling; as well as of calls by Labour for a 'Second Republic', Abela called upon both parties to be "careful not to set off on parallel paths that, as we know, cannot lead to a converging destination."

President Abela said the Maltese Constitution had served Malta well for almost half a century. "But this does not mean that, from time to time, it would not be necessary to amend it in such a way as to increase its relevance in the life of the nation and to further strengthen democracy.

"Democracy requires that there be the free expression of different opinions and continuous dialogue between those who hold contrasting views. Debate strengthens democracy and helps it to respond to new circumstances that develop with the passage of time for nothing in life is static. Democracy is the nation's achievement and must be safeguarded at all times."

In his address, Abela also paid tribute to Malta's role as a centre of humanitarian assistance during the events in North Africa and the Libyan uprising.

"I think it was clear that there was consensus that we had a mission to accomplish as a country that has relevance in our region within the context of an essential humanitarian service.

"It is to everyone's satisfaction that Malta drew the admiration and the respect of the international community and showed that it is not closed within itself or isolated from the rest of the world but it is a nation ready to shoulder its responsibilities according to prevailing circumstances."

Abela also made of the agreement within the European Union to have limits to deficits and national debts incorporated in the Constitution, which also seem to enjoy agreement between the parties.

"This is a source of satisfaction because the present global economic situation, particularly that in a number of European countries necessarily has and will continue to have repercussions on our country.

"While debate remains a symptom of a dynamic democracy, it is fitting that there should be the widest agreement possible as to how we should seek the best methods so that the country would continue to develop and enlarge its economy. Economic development should have as its goal the People's welfare, assistance to those most in need and social justice."