[attach id=378234 size="medium"]Karmenu Vella is the new European Commissioner for Environment, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs. Photo: Reuters[/attach]
Malta’s European Commissioner Karmenu Vella, affectionately known as Il-Guy, yesterday tendered his resignation from Parliament, a few days before he officially starts work in Brussels on his environment, fisheries and maritime affairs portfolio.
Speaking during the adjournment, Mr Vella said he was looking forward to the post but was sad to be ending his parliamentary career spanning 38 years.
He entered politics at a very young age when he contested the Żurrieq Civic Council election in 1968 and then was elected MP in 1976 as the youngest member in that legislature.
He had fulfilled his mission to the best of his abilities and had served as minister for public works, industry and tourism.
He had also experienced different leadership styles: former prime ministers George Borg Olivier, Dom Mintoff, Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici, Eddie Fenech Adami, Lawrence Gonzi and now Joseph Muscat.
Priorities in Maltese politics had also changed over time.
He said he had learnt a lot but the most significant lesson was one in humility as the authority to occupy a parliamentary seat was given by the electorate. It was important to tolerate different opinions as nothing was black and white in politics.
The electorate expected politicians to work for the benefit of the country. One had to appreciate sacrifices made by others and he warned the political class not to bring disrespect on the parliamentary role.
While having wholeheartedly accepted Dr Muscat’s nomination to serve as Commissioner he was saddened he could not still represent his constituency, although he did not exclude a return to politics later on.
His most significant lesson was one in humility
As commissioner he would do his best to protect the interests of all EU states.
He thanked his constituents, the public officers who had worked with him in office, those who had helped him prepare for the European Parliament’s hearing, former ministers and present MPs.
He also thanked Dr Muscat for the opportunity, the Speaker of the House, his family and his late parents.
Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech said Mr Vella had a great and responsible challenge ahead of him.
This came at a time when the Commission had to face the unemployment crisis in the EU and the referendum in the UK.
It had to strive to stem the indifference shown in many member states during recent European Parliament elections.
Although Mr Vella appeared calm, he was a tenacious person and would remain directly or indirectly involved in Maltese politics too.
Opposition whip David Agius also thanked Mr Vella for his work and wished him well on behalf of the Opposition in his new role, adding he was sure he would be a success in the EU.