Muscat calls for joint celebrations of Freedom, Independence days

Paul Borg

Sep 23rd 2009, 10:17

Both parties should discuss this issue and act in a civilized manner. Little things that can be sorted out with a little bit of good will from both sides should be done as soon as possible.

Galea. L

Sep 22nd 2009, 21:55

Francesca Abela
Independence was a farce where even the Independence Arena where the flag lowering and raising ceremony took place was loaned by the British Government for the occasion with the union jack flying back on the same mast the following day.

What's wrong with having 5 national days?

S Vella

Sep 22nd 2009, 14:15

@ Francesca Abela
Why "Ideally we should have Independence day as the National Day"? says Who?
Not even the PM and LoO yet agreed, and you already decided for everyone?
What makes Independence Day more important than any other National Day?
When we were declared as Independent we were still under the British Colony so I dont understand the meaning if "Independence" there, with many places n Malta still under the control of the British and the Highest ranks still under the British control.
We became "RGHAJNA F'IDEJNA" when the British forces left our islands and we truly started taking our own decisions and that happened in FREEDOM DAY, and there was no were out of bounds anymorefor the Maltese in Malta...
After all I think all days have their historical importance and if the politicians agree on one day, all that will mean, that we will be loosing some more holidays and free time with our
families!!

Jimmy Magro

Sep 22nd 2009, 13:34

Besides the proposals and comments made below. What I suggest is that for all national days, there whould be a written agreement between the Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister and the Office of the Leader of Opposition that the same protocol and level of attention is given to each and every national day.

The Sette Gugnio event is attended at the same time by the Speaker, PM and LoO and there has never been any incidents except when under Labour (1996-1998) some idiots tried to make a protest and were immediately removed by the Police.

One cannot make a proposal to have one national day during a party event. Neither can such a debate be held during a full month independence celebrations by the PN. And neither can anyone expect to have ex-Presidents appointed from the PN to disagree to have independence as the single national day. As one blogger stated: this is not news.

Let us concentrate on the real needs of the people and let these petty matters for a time when we are prosperous again. Let us find time, energy and resouces to combat poverty first.

Francesca Abela

Sep 22nd 2009, 13:00

Ideally we should have Independence Day at the National Day but as that seems to be very unlikely one could compromise and have two national days, Independence Day and Republic Day. It is also important that no mass meetings be held on those days so as to avoid the days becoming a source of friction between people. One should just stick to official ceremonies and celebrations that would induce people of all political allegiances to take participate.

John Mizzi

Sep 22nd 2009, 11:41

I agree but no mass meetings. How can one tries to unite when mass meetings are held and the usual tirade is spoken. The venues should also be changed.

Joe Grima

Sep 22nd 2009, 10:42

This call from Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat shows the man's maturity and dedication to national unity. Yesterday's ceremony was an utter disgrace for a Government that has used the solidarity card as its political platform over and over again, but falls flat on its face when expected to put its money where its mouth is. To see The President and the PM placing their wreaths, surrounded by all the trappings of power, red carpet, armed forces, cheering crowds and then to witness the arrival of the Leadar of the Opposition climbing the unsusually high steps on his own, alone, as if he represented no one but himself in this country, was a disgrace, a humiliating expereince for all Maltese and a demonstration of naked power enveloping a Roi Soleil Prime Minister. Not only was the red carpet removed for Joseph Muscat and everyone simply deserted the area but even the stools that would have helped him reach the monument more comfortably were taken away. Joseph sprinted up the high steps and reached the monument in a second. My own feeling is that protocols aside, this whole scenario was well and accurately planned to devlop the way it did. Shame!