Local leaders exchange best wishes with the public

Local leaders met with members of the public to wish them a happy new year earlier today.

The greeting sessions started off at 2.00 pm, when President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca received Archbishop Charles Scicluna, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Speaker of the house Anglu Farrugia and members of Parliament, Members of European Parliament, members of the judiciary, headed by chief justice Silvio Camilleri and Opposition leader Simon Busuttil, at the Grandmaster’s Palace.

In her address to the Archbishop, Coleiro Preca said that she acknowledged the Church as a pioneer in services to the society, and she added that although its role as acharity provider was essential, Politicians should follow in its example towards creating a more just and inclusive society.

"The Chirch should continue to be the country's social conscience so that we can continue to bolster the values of social inclusiveness and dignity," she said.

Speaking to Muscat, Coleiro Preca, praised the government for its efforst ins ecuring a strong economy, but she also urged more action to be taken in terms of early school leavers.

"Research shows that these youths often find themselves in emotional, social and health issues, and that they often feel like they cannot benefit from an inclusive society," she said, appealing to the government to secure efforts beyond the educational system.

Coleiro Preca also spoke of the importance of boosting the public's trust in politicians as they are a "pillar of democracy". She urged politicians to use all the resources at their disposal to prepare themselves for their roles and she urged the University of Malta to develop a degree in political science.

The president then went on to greet various members of the public and civil society.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna, flanked by Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona and  Vicar General Joseph Galea-Curmi, also greeted members of the public starting from 2.15 pm at the Archbishop’s palace in Valletta.

In his meeting with the Archbishop, Muscat said that the country wanted a Church that speaks and listens to its flock.

Scicluna said that country was currently enjoying a climate where dialogue was possible between the Church and the state.

Later on during the day, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat also exchanged greetings with authorities and the public at Castille, while Opposition leader Simon Busuttil held his own greetings at the PN headquarters in Pieta.

Busuttil was flanked by PN deputy leaders Beppe Fenech Adami and Mario de Marco, as well as shadow social policy minister Paula Mifsud Bonnici.