Editorial

The overwhelming outpouring of grief at the passing away of Guido de Marco, whose state funeral takes place in Valletta tomorrow, is indicative of the great esteem in which he is held.

It also reflects national recognition of his work in politics over the years, in good and bad times, as the island traversed the road leading to independence and, only six years ago, to membership of the European Union.

De Marco lived his dream to the full, and served his country in a way that earned the respect of all, including those who might not always have shared his views.

What is there to say about Guido de Marco that has not been already said since the announcement of his passing away on Thursday? And yet, other than all the details of his brilliant career as a criminal lawyer and of his work in the service of the republic, including, of course, as President, what particularly stands out is his sense of purpose in life, his political commitment to work for the country’s advancement, which he showed right from the minute he entered politics.

Quite naturally, he loved his political party and his trademark rallying call Nazzjonalisti, usually delivered in a strong, booming voice, would invariably send flag-waving supporters into a frenzy, but away from all the noise and banter of party rallies, he invariably found himself in the inner circles of decision makers, both when his party was in or out of government.

In his autobiography The Politics of Persuasion, he recounts when, as a law student, he first met Nerik Mizzi, who had been Prime Minister then for only two months. He recalls Mizzi telling him that politics was a mission. “His words infused me with a political passion that has remained with me throughout my lifetime in politics.”

De Marco made politics his mission, and his passion, for it radiated in his work, not only when he stood side by side with Eddie Fenech Adami – another politician who has worked so selflessly in Malta’s interests – but also when he served as president of the general assembly of the United Nations and in his last post as President of the Republic.

If there is a legacy that Guido de Marco is leaving after his death, especially to the younger generation of politicians, it is most definitely this sense of mission in politics.

Yes, he loved life; his joie de vivre was infectious, and the people generally just loved the way he greeted them with such a firm handshake and, often, an embrace, too.

But behind this most colourful sheen that characterised his outward personality, there lay a keen, sharp mind, a politician who would not take no for an answer and would go more than the extra mile to bring about a new development or to see a satisfactory conclusion to outstanding obstacles in the country’s democratic life.

His role in the settlement of a most serious political issue that arose following a perverse election result is testimony to his skills in the politics of persuasion, the title he most appropriately chose for his autobiography.

But what he considered, quite justifiably, as his crowning glory was his work to see Malta become a member of the European Union. Malta has been blessed with a number of politicians, of different political persuasions, who have made a mark in the country’s life for their political commitment, and who have left a rich legacy. Guido de Marco is certainly one of them.