President's swearing-in ceremony to focus on the ‘most vulnerable’

In an effort to make the president’s swearing-in ceremony open to the “most vulnerable” and a “celebration” for all the country, next Friday’s ceremony will see Marie Louise Coleiro Preca take part in a marathon six-hour ceremony, including a special mass at the Dar tal-Providenza.

The social solidarity minister – who has insisted that the presidency will have a more active role in representing the country’s “social soul” – will start her ceremony at Luqa square at 2pm where she will bid farewell to constituents.

Social solidarity minister Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, who earlier this month was officially nominated as Malta’s next president, will be sworn in as president when George Abela’s term ends on April 4.

Upon Coleiro Preca’s insistence, the official ceremony mass will take place at Dar tal-Providenza, whereby around 1,000 people are expected to attend.

Addressing a news conference this afternoon at Dar tal-Providenza, Mark Farrugia, the prime minister's Deputy Chief of Staff, explained that Coleiro Preca’s decision to veer off from the traditional ceremony was because she wants to remain close to the people.

During the mass, members of parliament from both sides of the House will present a Maltese flag that in turn would be used during the swearing-in at the President’s Palace.

Coleiro Preca – whose nomination for president has been described by the prime minister as the country’s “social soul” and the government’s “point of reference” - will be the second female president and the sixth nominee emerging from the Labour Party since Malta became a Republic in 1974.

Prior to arriving at the President’s Palace in Valletta to take the president’s oath, Coleiro Preca will walk along Republic Street where several children will accompany her.

The social solidarity minister was initially reluctant to accept the post but after Joseph Muscat assured her that the president’s role would be widened to encompass greater social responsibilities, Coleiro Preca accepted the role.

Friday’s swearing in ceremony at the President’s Palace is set to start at 6.15pm.

Melissa Vella, a spokeswoman for the social solidarity minister, explained that Coleiro Preca would also make stops at her hometown Qormi and also at Floriana where she will lay wreaths at the foot of the war monument.

In a swearing-in ceremony characterised by various firsts, Coleiro Preca will salute the crowd from the Palace’s balcony while being flanked by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil and President George Abela. 

In addition to the guests invited for Coleiro Preca’s oath, the most “vulnerable” people will also be given an opportunity to follow proceedings from the Palace. The proceedings will also be shown live on national television.

After the swearing in ceremony, Coleiro Preca will then visit San Anton Palace for meetings with Joseph Muscat and Simon Busuttil.