‘Consumerism not an end in itself’ says President Abela in Christmas address

In his traditional Christmas address ushering in the New Year, Abela said it is “good” that one aspires to continue improving one’s standards of living, to continue acquiring material goods and enjoy the benefit of modern technology.

At the same time, he warned however, against establishing consumerism “as an end in itself and making it the only justification for living, by abandoning ethical and moral values that give our lives sense – as the foundation for human existence.”

“Quality of life also depends on the environment around us,” Abela said, pointing out that Malta is a small country with one of the highest population densities around the world – with the consequence that the pressure on the environment is heavy indeed.

In his address, Abela also said that over the last year, the Maltese population inevitably faced the consequences of international events.

“We are part of the world and be must endure the current economic global trends that often force us to make hard choices. The road was not easy, but the diligence of the Maltese people was a decisive factor that allowed us not only to avoid the worst of it, but even to overcome certain difficulties that are causing problems in many other countries,” he said.

Abela said that the world has not yet emerged from the downturn caused by the economic instability and said that the coming year would not be without its challenges. “We need to meet these challenges head on with courage and determination,” he said.

Abela said he is positive in that the Maltese population is cautious enough to ensure that in the coming months, a path towards national goals and priorities can be reached in accordance with the financial means the country enjoys – and in conformity with the values of social solidarity the country holds dear.

“One hopes that the global economic stabilises over the coming year so that every country can return to the road that leads to prosperity, economic growth, and better prospects for the future,” Abela said.

He maintained that in uncertain times such as these, it is essential to retain values that help the people grow stronger and closer as a nation and overcome difficulties that arise from time to time.

Without these values, he said, one risk wandering off the right road and losing one’s self in “a dark forest without direction.” He maintained that these values are those that are worth passing onto the younger generations, in whose hands rest the present and future of the country.

Abele said it is “good” that one aspires to continue improving one’s standards of living, to continue acquiring material goods and enjoy the benefit of modern technology.

At the same time, he warned against establishing consumerism “as an end in itself and making it the only justification for living by abandoning ethical and moral values that give our lives sense – as the foundation for human existence.”

“Quality of life also depends on the environment around us,” Abela said, pointing out that Malta is a small country with one of the highest population densities around the world – with the consequence that the pressure on the environment is heavy indeed.

Abela maintained that development should take place sustainable, and a better balance needs to be established between profit and safeguarding the environment, the countryside, the beauty of natural places, the sea, local beaches, the air itself and also the country’s water resources.

“Investment is needed, and this means the development of land and the usage of the natural environment,” Abela conceded, but added that “we need to remember that with the environment, once lost it can never be brought back.”

Abela also emphasised the importance of safeguarding Malta’s cultural and historical heritage, “as this does not only have cultural value, but also economic value which is crucial to our tourism industry.”

He pointed out the need for greater investment in the restoration of buildings in Valletta and Mdina, the bastions, the Megalithic temples, and the restoration and conservation of artistic works.