Apologies for mistakes but we're only human - Gonzi

During his speech at parliament’s commemoration of the first sitting of the legislative assembly following the Amery-Milner Constitution of 1921, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi appreciated the struggle experienced by the Maltese, particularly workers and university students who participated in the historical 7 June events leading up to the establishment of the current constitution.

“A large number of us did not live through these events. It is not easy for us to appreciate what Malta as a colony truly means and I want to pay tribute to all those who came before us. We need continue paying tribute to the founders of a modern and contemporary Malta,” Gonzi said.

Gonzi said that the country should celebrate the past and learn from to shape the country’s future and explored what has been learned and what should be done to improve.

Speaking on an issue testing certain populations worldwide, Gonzi cautioned MPs against the re-emergence of populism. “It irresponsibly offers the population half-truths, simple arguments which appeal to negative sentiments innate in each one of us”.

Gonzi said the worst thing anyone in politics could do is try to win the trust of people using appeals and strategies inspired by populism.

Gonzi said that democratic institutions need to be strengthened to ensure that the government is responding to the needs of the people, dealing with real priorities, working in the interest and common. He added that the parliament also needs to ensure that it is doing everything to have economical growth and sustainability, and fairer distribution of burdens and benefits for the society.

“I confess there were mistakes made by myself and the party I lead... The ideals, beliefs and visions of this party are some of the best... but as with any other institution, party, government is led by humans who are not always right, and are subject to mistakes and their weaknesses,” Gonzi said.

Throughout history, parliament was always the place where solutions where found for the benefit of the country according to Gonzi, but he said that credit had to go to the Maltese population in the battle for democracy.

“Civil society, represented by the band clubs during this time spread throughout every town and village in Malta and Gozo, was also active, especially in their participation of historical meetings of the National Assembly which to place at the Giovine Malta to claim their rights from the British Crown,” Gonzi said.

“More than a new building, I believe we need to renew our internal and external resources. We need to develop the tools we work with to keep us guided by common good. We need tools where more women and youths are protagonists, where people trust that we are looking out for their genuine interests, tools that make our behaviour and motivation transparent and under scrutiny of full accountability, and tools which will strengthen the legitimacy of our work,” Gonzi said.