[WATCH] Stop blaming the poor, President says in final Christmas message

The poor do not choose to be poor, President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said in her final Christmas message.

The President, whose term comes to an end in April, urged the Maltese to ditch indifference and unite in the fight against poverty.

“Nobody chooses to be poor; nobody chooses not to buy their child a present… Let us stop blaming the poor,” she said in a short video message to mark Christmas Day.

But Coleiro Preca also used the occasion to hammer home a message against domestic violence and violence against children.

“Let us a make a resolution not to remain silent in front of domestic violence and violence against children,” the President said.

She also called for compassion “for that girl who failed to make it to shore because she died at sea”, the lonely elderly people and those with mental health issues.

In a message peppered with gratitude to the Maltese, Coleiro Preca thanked people for welcoming her and understanding her limitations.

She also thanked children, for opening up with her and delivering a plea in favour of the environment.

“Let us not be silent in front of injustice,” Coleiro Preca said.