President’s speech continues to attract criticism by Opposition

Adding his voice to the Opposition's chorus of disapproval on the President's speech from the throne, former minister Jason Azzopardi lambasted government for having "diminished" the role of the presidency though a speech aimed at "ridiculing" the Opposition.

As is norm, the speech on the opening of a legislature is read by the President of the Republic, having been prepared by the Office of the Prime Minister. The aim of the speech is to outline the government's policy for the coming five years.

But with references to "clique", "arrogance" and "failure" to highlight the electorate's overwhelming vote in favour of a new government and a speech which ended with "Malta for all" - the slogan used by the Labour Party during its electoral campaign -the Nationalist opposition was irked.

"Not even in 1987, after having suffered five atrocious years, did we hear such partisan speeches, with a highly disparaging tone. Not even when Alfred Sant was elected did he resort to such attitude," Azzopardi said.

The MP added that whoever had scripted the speech should be "ashamed": "You should be ashamed for having used the presidency to tease and insult. How can you speak of unity and reconciliation while at the same time insult the opposition?"

On his part, backbencher Silvio Parnis aimed his speech at reconciliation in which he urged both government and opposition to work together.

"We were elected on the battle cry of Malta for all because we truly believe that we can work together. This is the new politics that the electorate wants and this is what we will advocate," he said.