Updated | Gonzi’s parting advice: ‘Your job is to serve, but politics is not everything’

In a passionate speech which was delivered before a packed House of Representatives, Lawrence Gonzi advised members of parliament that above all, politics was not everything in life.

"I am now discovering the beauty of life which I had almost forgotten: the evening walks with my wife and my grandchildren, the time we spend with our loved ones, being able to enjoy the beauty of our country," Gonzi said.

Important, the former Nationalist prime minister insisted, that politicians take satisfaction in what they do always keeping in mind that power was just a tool, and not a goal, by which society is bettered.

"The beauty of politics is its ability to bring together different voices. It's not easy because this often means debates, passion and tension. But experience has taught me that if you truly want to change society for the better, nothing is more effective that politics built on service," he said.

A favourite quote of his, Gonzi reminded that the seats in parliament did not belong to the MPs but to the electorate who voted themto parliament.

"Remember that power at its best is intrinsically tied to solidarity. I learned my best lessons from families of persons with disability. They show us what true commitment, courage and hope mean. The unconditional love to others. They taught me that one could not concentrate on the unattainable but to focus one's energy on what can be done. To look for the abilities."

Gonzi said he hoped all MPs found satisfaction in their work and in the sacrifices they made for the good of the country.

Admitting there were many who had urged him not to give up his seat, Gonzi said retaining his seat would have meant going against everything he believed in.

"This is the people's seat, not mine and should be occupied by a person who can dedicate all his energy to the country, to this parliament, to the Nationalist Party," he said.

He said that although he always tried to give his best to the country, mistakes were committed as well. "But I learnt my lessons," he said, adding that for almost half of his life he witnessed a country that changed in several aspects.

Gonzi reserved part of his speech to advice the MPs that one could not tackle irregular migration without keeping in mind the human tragedy that it was made up of.

"It is indeed a problem for a country, but we can never, ever forget that we are dealing with tortured victims. The racist comments we have experienced in the past week, albeit by a tiny minority, show that there are some who have not yet understood this was a human tragedy.

"And it is our responsibility to explain to this to our people. And explain to them what the solutions can be."

Gonzi insisted that Malta should continue insisting with the European Union this was a burden that should be shouldered by every member state.

"The EU and international community must understand that migrants' integration was in the common interest of all. Also, the EU and international community must aid in the repatriation of those migrants who are not entitled to refugee status according to conventions which Malta is signatory to," Gonzi said.

"Malta has always cared about others. We were never indifferent to human suffering and we will not be indifferent today."

Earlier

PN faithful and Lawrence Gonzi supporters gathered outside parliament this evening to bid farewell to the former Nationalist Prime Minister who this evening will be addressing the House for the last time.
Gonzi, who served as prime minister from 2004 to 2013, leaves the House after standing down as Nationalist party leader following the general election of 9 March 2013.

His wife, Kate, his children and spouses, close friends and former aides of the Gonzi administration have gathered at the Strangers' Gallery to listen to Gonzi's speech.

Elected to the PN leadership in 2004, he served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1988 to 1996 and Minister for Social Policy from 1998 to 2004, as well as Deputy Prime Minister from 1999 to 2004.

In 1987 he stood as a PN candidate but was not elected. Gonzi contested the October 1996 elections and was elected to parliament and served as Opposition party whip and PN Secretary-General in 1997.

In 2004 he succeeded Eddie Fenech Adami as Prime Minister, serving as premier when Malta became a European Union member.

Gonzi presided over the biggest electoral defeat for the Nationalist Party, losing by over 35,000 votes in March 2013.

His admirers praise his handling of the Libya crisis and his economic policies as two of his career landmarks. But his detractors criticise him for his insensitivity on the increase in utility tariffs and his lack of resolve in confronting dissident backbenchers Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, Franco Debono and Jesmond Mugliett.