menu

Presidential oath of office - live-blog

Live-blog of today's proceedings - as it happened

matthew_vella miriam chris_mangion tim_attard_montalto danielmizzi
4 April 2014, 1:44pm
by Matthew Vella / Miriam Dalli / Chris Mangion / Tim Attard Montalto / Daniel Mizzi
Former Presidents congratulate newly appointed President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca (Photo: Ray Attard)
Former Presidents congratulate newly appointed President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca (Photo: Ray Attard)
Photo: Chris Mangion
Photo: Chris Mangion
Photo: Department of Information
Photo: Department of Information
Marie Louise Coleiro Preca salutes the crowd in Luqa (Photo: Chris Mangion)
Marie Louise Coleiro Preca salutes the crowd in Luqa (Photo: Chris Mangion)
Crowds gather in Luqa for Marie Louise Coleiro Preca (Photo: Chris Mangion)
Crowds gather in Luqa for Marie Louise Coleiro Preca (Photo: Chris Mangion)
Photo: Chris Mangion
Photo: Chris Mangion
Photo: Chris Mangion
Photo: Chris Mangion
Photo: Chris Mangion
Photo: Chris Mangion
Photo: Chris Mangion
Photo: Chris Mangion
Photo: Ray Attard
Photo: Ray Attard
Photo: Ray Attard
Photo: Ray Attard
Qormi awaits MLCP's arrival (Photo: Chris Mangion)
Qormi awaits MLCP's arrival (Photo: Chris Mangion)
Photo by Ray Attard
Photo by Ray Attard
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and wife Michelle arrive at the President's Palace (Photo: Chris Mangion)
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and wife Michelle arrive at the President's Palace (Photo: Chris Mangion)
Photo: Chris Mangion
Photo: Chris Mangion
Photo: Chris Mangion
Photo: Chris Mangion
Photo: Department of Information
Photo: Department of Information
Photo: Department of Information
Photo: Department of Information
Photo: Department of Information
Photo: Department of Information
Photo: Department of Information
Photo: Department of Information
Photo: Department of Information
Photo: Department of Information
Photo: Department of Information
Photo: Department of Information
Photo: Department of Information
Photo: Department of Information
20:41 Matthew Vella
20:33 Matthew Vella
20:25 Matthew Vella
19:59 There's over 20 staff at San Anton - not too shabby Matthew Vella
19:56 Matthew Vella
19:29 There goes the flypast by the Air Wing of the Armed Forces of Malta, which brings to an end the official ceremony in Valletta. A beaming Coleiro Preca continues to smile and wave at the people. Coleiro Preca will now be escorted by the Mounted Police, proceed through Republic Street en route to the War Memorial in Floriana. Miriam Dalli
19:24 President Coleiro Preca is accorded her first national salute and inspects a Guard of Honour. The national anthem was sung by 10 Maltese singers. Miriam Dalli
President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca's first address to the nation
19:45 Matthew Vella
19:45 Tweets from Coleiro Preca's twitterfeed - now @maltapresident Matthew Vella
19:08 President of the Republic Marie Louise Coleiro Preca is currently meeting the 300 guests at the Palace's courtyard. She has saluted the public from the main balcony of the Palace, flanked by the Prime Minister, the Opposition leader and - a first - by Alternattiva Demokratika Chairman Arnold Cassola. Coleiro Preca's day will culminate at San Anton Palace where she will meet her staff for the first time. Joseph Muscat, Simon Busuttil and Arnold Cassola will pay a courtesy visit. Miriam Dalli
19:07 Here's a long-ish excerpt from Coleiro Preca's speech on migration:

The geostrategic importance of our country continues to gather significance against the backdrop of the huge influx of immigrants arriving on our shores.

While aware of the humanitarian element attached to such arrivals, and the need to give these people all the humanitarian assistance they deserve, our country's size and population density makes it impossible to give our best to these people, who are searching for refuge from conflicts and wars, and aspire for a better life. This fact makes our country dependent for assistance on neighbouring countries and the European Union.

Malta has the support of neighbouring countries, as well as that of Non-Governmental Organisations and the United Nations, who, while sympathetic with our country's experiences, also acknowledge the fact that Malta is a special case. They also demand a lasting solution to stop this human tragedy.

Here, my appeal is to the international community to consider it as their duty to help countries such as Malta, to share the responsibilities and opportunities of such a phenomenon.

This Presidency is also concerned with this, hence I believe that we should continue working in the direction of finding long-term solutions and be catalysts in the process to break-up internationally organised criminal trafficking circles that are wrecking havoc for thousands of lives.

As political instability continues in neighbouring Libya and war rages in Syria, my appeal to the Diplomatic Corps present here today is to strengthen our efforts through effective dialogue to get solutions.

I strongly believe that dialogue remains an effective instrument that brings people together.

It saddens me how our region, the cradle of civilisation, still cannot manage to establish peaceful coexistence. It is a coexistence that could reach its aim if there is recognition and respect towards the different cultures and peoples, the opinions and the different beliefs, as well as languages and multi-ethnic traditions.

I consider us a fortunate people as in our case strong coexistence and solidarity exists between our families. We are fortunate that our forefathers realised the need to keep together and develop without fear, the will to discover new opportunities that made them and us stronger in whatever we engage ourselves in.

Matthew Vella

18:58 Diversity, inclusion, tolerance were main themes of Coleiro Preca's speech: certainly a speech to reflect the current climate in Maltese society. Matthew Vella
18:55 Coleiro Preca signs the instrument of her formal appointment - with her is Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and the head of the civil service, Mario Cutajar. Matthew Vella
18:55 Crowds outside the Palace erupted in one big cheer as Coleiro Preca proclaimed her "deep love" for the country. Miriam Dalli
18:34 "We will live in a truly democratic State when we realise the diversity that exists among us.... accepting multiculturalism is a challenge for all of us. Globalisation's effect is not just economic... it's also a movement of people. Let's not be scared. Let's understand this challenge, and understand that this offers an opportunity for us." Matthew Vella
18:32 Coleiro Preca: "constructive criticism strengthens democracy... unity allows us to understand each other and help each other. This is how the Maltese social fabric and the sovereign state can be strengthened." Matthew Vella
18:28 Coleiro Preca has read the proclamation and signed it and Prime Minister Joseph Muscat countersigned it. Speaker Anglu Farrugia has adjourned the sitting. Coleiro Preca is to address the House and nation soon. Miriam Dalli
18:24 The House of Representatives is in sitting in the Grand Council Chamber. As the fanfare is played by trumpeters of the Armed Forces of Malta and the AFM fire a 21 gun salute from Fort St Elmo, Coleiro Preca signs the oath and the Speaker countersigns it. Miriam Dalli
18:22 Marie Louise Coleiro Preca makes her oath, as she becomes Malta's ninth and second female president. Miriam Dalli
Coleiro Preca welcomed in Valletta (Video by Ray Attard)
People comment on Coleiro Preca's appointment as President (Video by Ray Attard)
17:35 Coleiro Preca is currently passing through Republic Street, Valletta: schoolchildren walking behind her. Matthew Vella
17:35 In the meantime, MPs are entering the Chamber where Coleiro Preca will be formally appointed President Matthew Vella
Solemn Mass at Dar tal-Providenza
17:04 Matthew Vella
16:59 Matthew Vella
16:50 In the meantime, in Valletta Matthew Vella
16:50 Matthew Vella
16:44 Matthew Vella
16:43 Matthew Vella
16:38 Coleiro Preca is now in Qormi - her hometown - where she will be going through both St George's and St Sebastian parishes. Matthew Vella
16:18 Coleiro Preca is now in Siggiewi, meeting well-wishers in the piazza. Matthew Vella
16:05 Matthew Vella
16:02 Matthew Vella
16:02 More photos from Siggiewi uploaded on our photo flipbook on top. Matthew Vella
15:56 Matthew Vella
15:30 Matthew Vella
15:23 The solemn mass has been organised in a semi-circle, with the altar set up in the middle. A Maltese flag - which will be raised at San Anton Palace - will be blessed during this ceremony. The flag will be presented by AD, Labour and PN representatives. Miriam Dalli
15:18 With 1,200 invitees, Dar tal-Providenza is packed. Among those invited are the new President's relatives, close aides, fomer ministry employees, dignitaries and 100 residents of the Siggiewi home. Miriam Dalli
15:16 Among those reading out during the mass are the President's nephew and niece Daniel Cassar and Francesca Seychell, a blind woman Maria Munro, Melissa Aquilina - who will be using the sign language - nephew Thomas Cassar, Aaliyah Ohaegbu, May Theuma and Maleck Haymoussa. Miriam Dalli
15:12 Matthew Vella
15:11 As per tradition, the mass is concelebrated by the Archbishop, Paul Cremona. Matthew Vella
15:01 The Prime Minister and his wife Michelle have just arrived in Siggiewi. Matthew Vella
15:01 Coleiro Preca is at Dar il-Providenza, in Siggiewi, for the solemn mass for her inauguration. Again, another first - moving away from the official St John's Cathedral mass. Matthew Vella
14:54 And he proposed it in Girgenti... which is probably all ODZ. So, no. Matthew Vella
14:53 One of the wierdest suggestions by Prof. Raymond Mangion, who lectures in law at the University of Malta - building some sort of mausoleum for presidents. I think we need a little less hero worship... Matthew Vella
Large crowds welcome Marie Louise Coleiro Preca in Luqa
14:48 One of the defining features of this swearing-in is that Green Party chairperson Arnold Cassola is officially invited to accompany both the Prime Minister and the Opposition leader to the oath of office. Matthew Vella
14:47 Matthew Vella
14:42 Miriam Dalli
14:41 Miriam Dalli
14:28 MLCP has chosen Dar tal-Providenza for mass to be held. Why? Coleiro Preca wants to show she will remain close to the people. "Presidency is not about an individual, but about a country... the President is there for all, but most of all, for the most vulnerable." Miriam Dalli
14:25 Miriam Dalli
14:24 Coleiro Preca and husband have already left Luqa and are on their way to Siggiewi to attend solemn mass at Dar tal-Providenza Miriam Dalli
14:23 Here's Nationalist MP Robert Arrigo tweeting on the occasion: Matthew Vella
14:22 'A celebration of a country that believes in inclusion' Matthew Vella
14:20 Obama: "Malta long has offered assistance to people in need, as evidence most recently by your decision to open its harbors to those seeking shelter from violence in Libya. Today our nations continue to work side by side to secure a more prosperous and democratic future for North African countries in transition. Thank you for your steadfast partnership." Matthew Vella
14:18 QEII - "I know that you and MRs Abela have also been particularly active in support of charitable causes, including during your private visits to the UK to visit Maltese patients undergoing medical treatment. We send our warmest good wishes to you and your family for the future." Matthew Vella
14:18 Miriam Dalli
14:16 Both Queen Elizabeth and US President Barack Obama have sent messages to the outgoing President, George Abela. Matthew Vella
14:16 It’s a long ceremony… and this is what Marie Louise Coleiro Preca had to say: http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/37563/presidency_a_celebration_of_a_country_that_believes_in_inclusivity#.Uz6encdD-qQ Miriam Dalli
14:09 Coleiro Preca was a very popular MP and minister: she didn't feature highly in the preferred candidates for President among Labour voters - http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/data_and_surveys/33249/majority-don-t-want-politician-for-president-20140118#.Uz6g0seT45A Matthew Vella
14:05 Matthew Vella
14:05 Coleiro Preca was born in Qormi, where she will be making stops at both parishes. Matthew Vella
14:04 Her first stop on this 'presidential tour' will be Luqa - Luqa, Siggiewi and Qormi are Coleiro Preca's constituency, the sixth district. Matthew Vella
14:00 She spent 16 years as an MP, and was formerly Labour secretary-general between 1982 and 1991. She is a Notary, married to Edgar Preca, and has a daughter. Matthew Vella
13:59 She is the second woman to occupy the role of President of the Republic, the first being Agatha Barbara. Matthew Vella
13:59 Some trivia for your delight... Coleiro Preca is 55 years old, and has spent 40 years in politics. Matthew Vella
13:51 Matthew Vella
13:51 You can follow the discussion on Twitter using hashtag #maltapresident Matthew Vella
13:51 First comments from MLCP - "This is a celebration of the people... not the President." Matthew Vella
13:50 http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/37646/presidential_oath_of_office__the_day_ahead Matthew Vella
13:48 Here's the full programme of events - six full hours, almost regal. Matthew Vella
12:48 Welcome to our live blog! Matthew Vella

  

Matthew Vella, a freelance journalist at MaltaToday, was formerly executive editor at Malt...
Miriam Dalli joined MaltaToday.com.mt in 2010 becoming assistant editor f...
Chris Mangion is MaltaToday’s photojournalist, joining the newspaper in 2013.

In 1995...

By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy including the use of cookies to enhance your experience.