Abela seen as the right choice

The idea of George Abela as Malta's next head of state has been welcomed by a number of prominent people. Claudia Calleja finds that the prevailing feeling towards him is one of respect as a "balanced" man of "good judgment" who will rise beyond political ties and take decisions in the national interest.

Lino Spiteri
Former Labour Finance Minister, friend and himself a touted candidate.

It's a good decision that shows a measure of agreement between the two sides in circumstances where there is a deep division, especially because of the closeness of the election results. It was also expected from a sensible Prime Minister given that the Nationalist government only has a relative majority. Apart from the fact that George Abela and I are close friends, speaking objectively, he is an excellent choice. He is a stable person who keeps things in perspective. I'm sure he will be a President who will live up to our expectations. As for not being nominated myself, I don't have mixed feelings as in my mind I was never in the running and never wanted to be. I said as much in my collection of memories and never changed by views.

Oliver Friggieri
Literature professor and author

He's an ideal choice since he can rise above party politics very easily in this country where it has been difficult to go beyond it. The way he has been speaking lately shows he can be President without denying his own political affiliation but also that, when it comes to important issues he can go beyond party colours and take decisions in the national interest. The decision also shows that the two parties are almost twins, that is, that the county is fundamentally divided into two and the government is aware of this situation. The next stage is to have a national day to represent all the population and does not have a political meaning. It could be called Jum Malta or Jum il-Maltin (Malta Day or Maltese Day).

Domenic Fenech
History professor, former Labour secretary general and personal friend.

George Abela as President will be the most credible appointment since Sir Anthony Mamo (Malta's first President in 1974). The Prime Minister seems to have given heed to a prevailing opinion that it's time that the President is not a retiring politician of the party in government. After all, the Prime Minister is governing without an absolute majority and it would have looked pretty bad if he proposed a President who didn't have the Opposition's support. Dr Abela is one of the few Labour party people who enjoy respect from Nationalist supporters. I think he will have the people's general approval and will make a super President. I can't say he's apolitical, but he's less political than most practicing politicians.

Arnold Cassola
Alternattiva Demokratika chairman

This decision is great for the country and I congratulate Dr Gonzi and Dr Muscat for breaking a 33-year custom in which government appointed a President from its party with the disapproval of the Opposition. Since November, AD has asked Dr Gonzi to appoint a President that represents all Maltese people. Although Dr Abela has a Labour background he is respected on a local and international level and has shown that he can judge issues on their own merit and not their political colour. For example, he was one to approve Malta's accession into the EU when his party did not. He is a person of true stature.

Peter Serracino Inglott
Philosopher and former University Rector

I have great respect towards Dr Abela and don't doubt he will live up to the position. However, I don't perceive the nomination as such - as a person with a Labour affiliation nominated by the Nationalist government - to be any great achievement. Doing so would be disrespectful towards previous Presidents who, despite their affiliation with the party in government, had proven to be independent when required. It would have been an achievement if the Prime Minister got acceptance from the Opposition for somebody who was not a prominent Labour member... It was very difficult for the Labour opposition to object to Dr Abela's nomination. I think that the unanimity in support of that solution is pretty fake.

Joseph Sammut
Former Ombudsman

George Abela as President reaches a compromise of what the people feel, that is, that it is not necessarily a man of the party in government that should be appointed President. The Prime Minister's decision is positive from this aspect and also because of the qualities of the person concerned. People with a strong Nationalist feeling may have preferred it if a person from their party had been appointed as President. However, from a national point of view, I feel it is a good compromise. Dr Abela is a person who has good judgment so, when decisions have to be taken, I feel he will be capable of doing the right thing.

Kenneth Zammit Tabona
Artist and columnist

It's an excellent and statesmanlike choice that will finally put an end to this ridiculous and damaging partisan attitude that divided our country for so long. This is the Malta that (current President) Eddie Fenech Adami had envisaged way back in 1987 but, at the time, it seemed like a remotely impossible dream. Hopefully, with Dr Gonzi and Dr Muscat, moving away from the traditionalist partisan mentality will become reality. Recently public opinion has shown that people don't want a retired politician to be the next President. George Abela is in a very particular position as he is respected by both sides. What I find strange is how his name had never been mentioned before. Reading the headlines on Sunday morning made me feel as if the Prime Minister produced a rabbit out of a hat.