Country’s leaders mark Independence Day

President of the Republic, Prime Minister and Opposition leader mark the 49th anniversary of Malta's Independence. (Photo: Clifton Fenech/DOI)

21 September 2013, 12:00am
by Staff Reporter

1 min read

It was the Prime Minister's wish that leader of the Opposition Simon Busuttil joins in the official celebrations.

Maltese President George Abela, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Opposition leader Simon Busuttil today marked the 49^th anniversary of Malta's Independence.

The three leaders laid wreaths in front of the Independence Monument in Floriana after Archbishop Paul Cremona led a pontifical mass at St John's co-cathedral.

This is the first time that the leader of the Opposition was asked to join the Prime Minister and the President to take part in the ceremony.

Previously, protocol for all national festivities was that ceremonies are led by the President and the Prime Minister. However, Muscat declared the Opposition leader should be present as well.

Meanwhile, the Nationalist Party will continue with its celebrations of Independence Day with a mass meeting at the Granaries in Floriana. This is the first time that the mass meeting is being held on 21 September.