PM recalls successes of 2011, looks forward to the future

The Maltese Prime Minister said 2011 was a year in which the country had to face economic and financial crises worldwide and a fight for rights in the North of Africa.

In his message for Christmas, Lawrence Gonzi said the economic crisis which hit the world showed how important it is to take the correct decision at the right time.

"We must not give up and be ready to prepare ourselves beforehand to avoid finding ourselves in the same situation which countries much bigger than us found themselves in," Gonzi said.

"Because faced by crossroads, one might get confused which direction to choose. It is more important than ever to remain strong and determined in the direction we are heading."

The Prime Minister the country worked hard to attract the investment which Malta needed. "Other countries who found themselves at crossroads surrendered under huge debts. But our country - guided by direction and prudence - continued to move forward even though we were hit by the economic storm as well."

Gonzi reminded that government was investing in education and preparing children and youths to join the workforce when they finish their studies.  

The Prime Minister recalled the Arab Spring and the decisions which the Maltese government took during the uprising in Libya. He said Malta was always there for the Libyan people who needed help:

"We put our values to work and practiced what we truly believe in. We did not remain silent in front of their suffering and words were replaced by action."

Malta welcomed over 20,000 people from 113 different countries who were fleeing Libya. "We opened our hospitals to the injured and sent water and medicines where they were needed."

Speaking on 2012, the Prime Minister said Malta will work to mark the year as the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity among Generations. "We want to see the elderly active in society and use their experience to teach the new generations. This is another opportunity to strengthen the ties which exist among all members of society and continue to develop in this direction our social policy."

Gonzi said Malta should start preparing to hold the six-month EU Presidency in 2017: "We should appreciate the important role we will be holding. It is not only an honour but also calls for responsibility and prudence to give the sign of the direction we are heading."

On Malta's role as European Capital of Culture in 2018, Gonzi said culture was essential for education, social development, social inclusion, the environment and for the regeneration of cities and villages.

"We grow because of the strength of our roots and our cultural identity. We want show the world our heritage. We want others to enjoy the work of our artists. We want our children to be more creative and to develop their talents."

The Prime Minister said that while moving forward to new goals, the country should keep working to strengthen what already exists: healthcare, education, work, infrastructure and the environment.

"I am confident that if we look at what we obtained so far with prudence and seriousness, I am sure we will keep overcoming the financial and economic storm which hit other countries and us."

Concluding his speech, Gonzi wished the Maltese a happy Christmas and a year full of prosperity.