Parliament on Wednesday thanked George Vella for his service in the last five years as Malta’s President, saying that he had navigated through “challenging times” with great integrity.
Addressing Parliament on the day that Vella’s successor – Myriam Spiteri Debono – was later approved, Prime Minister Robert Abela said that George Vella was always honest, disciplined, showed integrity and always worked in Malta’s interest both local and abroad.
“All this despite a term full of challenges and difficulties,” Abela added.
Abela said that Vella was instrumental in allowing the government to make constitutional changes, including reforms in how the President is appointed, with his consent.
Abela said that even though Vella didn’t always agree with the government’s planned reforms – making reference to the reforms on cannabis possession, IVF, and the abortion reforms in Bill 28 – dialogue between the government and the President was always ongoing and with great respect.
Abela said that when facing political issues during his tenure, Vella remained impartial despite instances where he was attacked for his stance and was even told to resign by high-ranking politicians.
The Prime Minister noted how the President did not work from the Presidential Palace in order to allow its restoration and so that it can be returned to the people in a better state than it was before. He said that it goes to show his dedication to the Maltese people. Furthermore, Vella promoted the Maltese language by creating an initiative leading to the formation of the Council of Maltese which shortly after worked within the Presidential office.
Internationally, Abela spoke of how Vella acted with the dignity our country deserves and promoted Malta by going as far as to organize conferences on the island.
“George Vella served his country to the best of his abilities not only in his five years as president but also throughout his political career,” Abela said.
PN leader Bernard Grech agreed with the Abela that Vella was in office during challenging times, making specific reference to the Covid-19 pandemic that prevented Vella from being as active as he wished as President.
Grech also agreed that Vella loved and promoted Malta, including the Maltese language, as well as being a chief enabler for changes to the constitution. Grech said that the opposition looks forward to more reforms in the constitution by working with the next president.
Vella did his best to help those in need, Grech said, however he was limited by the funding despite the Maltese people’s generosity. He added that it is the job of the politicians to prevent anyone from having to ask for help.
Regarding Bill 28, Grech recalled how Vella didn’t agree with and halted the initial version which would have allowed abortion to be introduced in Malta but pushed for a new version that not only protected the child but also the mother.
Grech finally praised Miriam Vella, the President’s wife, for her support and said that not only has Vella given a lot to the country, but he believes that he still has more to give.
