Lawrence Gonzi bade Parliament farewell yesterday as he spoke of how he has rediscovered life’s beautiful moments since stepping down as Nationalist Party leader.
Reading from a prepared speech, Dr Gonzi said he had “almost” forgotten the beauty of life’s pleasures such as going for a walk with his wife and grandchildren.
“Politics is not everything,” he said, turning to his wife Kate, children and the eldest of his grandchildren who sat in the front row of a packed Strangers’ Gallery.
People who worked and knew Dr Gonzi, including former politicians, listened in silence but broke parliamentary protocol and clapped at the end of the 15-minute speech that wrapped up a 25-year parliamentary career.
Mrs Gonzi looked on in admiration, smiling as her husband saluted Parliament for the last time – Dr Gonzi officially submitted his resignation after the sitting, paving the way for a by-election on the Second District.
Earlier, Dr Gonzi had attended the last parliamentary group meeting at PN headquarters.
The speech was not one of Dr Gonzi’s finest but it was dignified and traversed various issues. He highlighted Malta’s first steps as an EU member in 2004, which coincided with his first year as Prime Minister; the transition to the euro in 2008 and the global economic crisis that hit soon after; and the Libya crisis.
He spoke with high esteem of the Maltese and how they always found the inner strength to move forward despite what doomsayers said. Within this context he mentioned the achievement of Independence, the Republic, EU accession and the adoption of the euro.
On migration he reiterated the importance that politicians be measured in their words and actions as he spoke of his pain at the racist sentiments that came to the fore after the Government considered sending rescued migrants back to Libya last week. “The Maltese have never been indifferent to the troubles of other people,” he insisted to bangs of approval from the PN parliamentary group. Dr Gonzi described PN leader Simon Busuttil as his “friend” and reserved words of praise for families that cared for disabled children. “These families taught me to focus my energy, not on what I cannot do but on what I can achieve.”
I will be enjoying life but this does not mean I will disappear
In a short address Dr Busuttil said Dr Gonzi had earned people’s respect and praised the political work undertaken by his predecessor. He thanked Dr Gonzi for upholding the value of solidarity, for having the courage to take judicious decisions during the Libya crisis despite threats by the Gaddafi regime.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat acknowledged what he described as Dr Gonzi’s “unconditional service” to the country.
Dr Gonzi’s finest political moment was when he chaired the National Commission for Disabled Persons and put on the agenda the needs of a whole community, Dr Muscat added.
“Dr Gonzi was responsible for changing Maltese society’s discourse and perception of disabled people, who had until then been referred to as handicapped.”
Speaker Anġlu Farrugia said Dr Gonzi’s departure would leave a void in Parliament. In his letter acknowledging Dr Gonzi’s resignation, the Speaker described the former Prime Minister as “a man of values” and thanked him for his contribution towards greater “freedom, democracy and social justice”.
On leaving the Palace, Dr Gonzi was greeted by a small crowd of well-wishers, who shook his hand, kissed him and tapped him on the shoulder.
“I will be enjoying life but this does not mean I will disappear. I will still follow things and give the PN my support so it will be able to regain the people’s trust,” he told Times of Malta. He then walked away towards Eddie’s Café in Republic Street to enjoy a light moment with his family.
ksansone@timesofmalta.com