President urges tomorrow's leaders ‘to forget no one’

President of the Republic Marie Louise Coleiro Preca says thousands of participants in charity fun run highlight Malta's generosity and unity

President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca addressing the crowd in St George's Square
President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca addressing the crowd in St George's Square

President of the Republic Marie Louise Coleiro Preca today urged tomorrow’s leaders to never forget anyone, and that youths should be the catalysts for a united society.

Addressing thousands of people who gathered in St George’s Square in Valletta at the end of Sunday’s charity fun run, Coleiro Preca, a former social solidarity minister, called on the young activists to show adults that they wanted Malta a united society.

“I urge all youths to be activists for solidarity, so that one day you will become the leaders of our country, effective leaders who will never forget anyone,” she said.

The President’s comments were made against the backdrop of calls for an increase in the minimum wage.

Flanked by Opposition leader Simon Busuttil and her husband, Edgar Preca, the President, said that despite differences in opinions, the country was united in solidarity and that she hoped that the people treat each other with respect.

“To those who question our country’s singular standing in this region and around the world, the crowd gathered here today is the answer … Malta remains synonymous with generosity and the will to overcome differences in time of need,” the President said.

Coleiro Preca said the Fun Run brought to light some of the generosity and solidarity inherent in Maltese people.  

“This activity is not simply about solidarity and generosity but is a feast that highlights the unity of the Maltese and Gozitan people,” she said.

The event was also addressed by Chris Cardona, the Labour deputy leader who appeared in the stead of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, who announced a €15,000 donation by the government to the National Good Causes Fund.

On his part, PN leader Simon Busuttil thanked the participants for their solidarity and their show of unity.