Opposition leader Joseph Muscat said that President Emeritus Ċensu Tabone was a true Republican who played an important role when Parliament almost approved unanimously the 1974 Constitution. He acknowledged that was in the best interest of Malta.

Dr Muscat described the late Dr Tabone as a formidable adversary even if the opposition could never agree with certain decisions he had taken on employment.

During his term of office as President, he served as a model who ensured national interest and national unity.

Dr Muscat quoted three former prime ministers to prove that the way people described Dr Tabone showed that democracy in Malta was maturing. Eddie Fenech Adami had considered Dr Tabone as an opposition leader within the PN. Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici’s comments showed that Dr Tabone was always respected personally. Dr Tabone and Alfred Sant had “agreed to disagree”.

Dr Muscat said that there were no theatrics in his funeral: there was a family and a nation united in grief. The Maltese not only had to pay tribute to Mrs Tabone as the widow of the late Ċensu Tabone but also because she showed what romance meant during the funeral.

On behalf of the opposition, Dr Muscat offered condolences to Mrs Tabone, his children and grandchildren.

Acting Speaker Ċensu Galea joined both sides of the House and also offered his condolences.