Revering the republic

The term republic derives from two Latin words, that is, res pubblica, which means "of the people" and this as opposed to the term monarchy, whereby, figuratively speaking, the state belongs to the sovereign.

This system of government probably originated during the Roman Classical period when the citizens dismissed the last of their tyrannically kings and established what was perhaps the first republic and this around 500 BC. This was considered to be a great achievement since it signified to the people of the time nothing less than having acquired control of their own destinies and aspirations and henceforth would go to great lengths in order to pay homage to their state. In fact their system of government was embellished with much pomp and ceremony. Solemnity was generally construed as conducive to the respect due to the state.

Malta became a republic in 1974. It must be pointed out that our then parliamentarians who were to vote in this respect were almost unanimous and, with the exception of five dissenting voices, voted overwhelmingly for Malta to become a republic. Ironically, it must be stated that one such dissenting voice would end up President, thereby symbolising the very republic he had once voted against. In this respect, however, and in all fairness, it must be stated that he would proceed to fulfil his official duties in an exemplary fashion.

Previously Malta as we all know was part of the British empire and even after attaining its independence for a period retained the Queen as its head of state.

The British empire in recent history was perhaps the largest and most effective empire since Roman times. In practical terms it did much to emulate the Roman module. In this regard it must be pointed out that our former colonial masters also gave much importance to ceremony which they regarded as essential in order to project their authority. Malta's senior citizens recall the customary parades and official engagements which were held to commemorate different occasions that were of particular significance to the crown.

Once Malta became a republic it would prove likewise essential for the new state to discover its own symbols of authority and select those dates relevant to our Maltese identity. In fact, today Malta has five important national feast days which we have been traditionally celebrating for a number of years. We have even introduced in our political calendar other notable occasions and this indirectly to affirm the dignity of our young republic. For many years, such occasions would generate enthusiasm and were always well attended to by one and all, especially by those who held important public office.

Over these last nine years I too as a parliamentarian would in my turn have the opportunity to frequent these solemn occasions. Over time, however, I have noted a stark difference. The more the time passes the less enthusiastic people seem to be in attending such occasions which have been reduced to a shadow of what they once were. Worse still, Maltese dignitaries are proving to be conspicuous by their absence. This had prompted me a few years back to write on this subject since I was quite disappointed by the almost non-participation of Malta's public figures in such state ceremonies. Together with others I had tried in vain to create a general awareness about this outward disrespect to our state.

Things, however, have not improved; if anything they have unfortunately regressed. Take, for example, the last celebrations commemorating one of Malta's national days, the so-called Sette Giugno. Here I was dumfounded to realise that three-fourths of the available seating space reserved for officials were empty. Taking the odd one out, practically none of Malta's top civil servants or heads of department cared to attend. Strangely, even parliamentarians and government ministers were practically absent. Unfortunately, there will soon come a time when our President will have to preside over such ceremonies all alone and all this is making a mockery of it all.

I view jealously on TV similar celebrations being held in other countries and this not merely in European states. Even in countries like the United States of America, which supposedly lacks in tradition and history, state occasions are events of great fanfare and significance.

In analysing in more depth why our republican activities are practically falling to bits, we will meet a definite undertone. In our enthusiasm to introduce radical reforms in our public administration we have practically been tarnishing the respect once afforded to our senior administrators. There was a time, and this not so long ago, when senior heads of department were held in high esteem and reverence. These in return would only prove too enthusiastic to play their role in the solemn services which come with a republic.

Today our government has greatly marginalised these officials to the extent that these today almost feel out of place in such occasions and, therefore, do not bother to attend. Their authority and function today has been usurped by a multitude of boards, government authorities, government entities and tribunals. These are Malta's new magistracy only lacking the lustre and prestige of their forebearers. If our government wants to preserve the prestige of our republic than it ought to take account of this subtle protest and consider its senior servants with more regard. If it fails to do so it will be the state itself that will end up being snubbed.

Dr Herrera is a Labour member of Parliament.