Opinion
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Why a new Constitution
The commentary on the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct (judiciarymalta.gov.mt under Code of Ethics) quotes the “forbidden zones upon which authority may not trespass” for there to be “the enjoyment of individual liberty”. This is the essence...
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Comparisons are shameful
The Reuters report underlining that Malta “is unlikely to follow Cyprus into crisis” should be welcomed by all Maltese citizens. It does justice to our healthy economy and to the robust bank regulatory framework. Moreover, it should be considered to...
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A matter of human dignity
Hatred, violence, suppression and denial of basic human rights are poisonous substances that can destroy the peace and tranquillity of an entire society. Moreover, they attack human values, so much so that people become so very cruel and...
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Rogues and pariahs of this world
A number of states in the international system are diplomatically isolated because of their political system or political leaders. Such states often defy international law and diplomatic convention. Analysts usually refer to such entities as...
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Danger to vulnerable road users
Times of Malta reported the case of a cyclist who was severely injured in a road accident (Motorist Fined €200 After Hitting Cyclist, Breaking His Legs, May 13). The driver, who eventually admitted responsibility for the accident, was awarded a...
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The Syrian blowback
The law of unintended consequences is taking its toll on every major actor in Syria. It was Bashar al-Assad who reaped the whirlwind given the way he brutally reacted to largely peaceful demonstrators two years ago. But the rebels and their...
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Let’s focus on the cause
I have followed closely the ‘hullabaloo’-turned-‘controversy’ of Darleen Zerafa being offered a bursary following a unanimous decision by the Malta Community Chest Fund board (and offer that she immediately declined as evidenced, among other, in the...
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EU arms embargo on Syria
Two years after the conflict in Syria, which claimed about 70,000 lives so far, the European Union still has an arms embargo in place against that country. However, the arms embargo is due to expire on June 1. Therefore, a debate is taking place as...
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More than a buzzword
I always go out of my way to try and meet any constituted body or organisation that asks for an appointment, even if it might not be directly linked to my portfolio. Particularly when they set out their agenda requests. In the past few months in...
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You can come in, we’re open
The Nationalist Party is going through a generational change. And this is not just about a change in people but also about a change in the party’s structures and organisation. Following my election at the head of the party two weeks ago, the new...
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A meeting with Andreotti
Lingering memories of the great statesman abound. In 1989, when the Second World Conference on Peace and Politics was held in Malta, following the first one in Assisi, Italy, two years earlier, the Comunita’ di Sant’Egidio asked me to chair the...
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EU exit in the Constitution
Most of us, I am sure, will agree that membership of the European Union cannot be seen as just another international agreement or convention that Malta adheres to. EU membership has changed and will continue to change some of the most important...
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If we miss the bus forever
The double page spread in Times of Malta last Friday showing works by Maltese architect and artist Richard England hit me in the eye. There they were, England’s proposals for a theatre on the site of the Royal Opera House, which, I am sure, must...
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Returning Europe to its citizens
Europe’s currency and economic crisis is fast becoming an identity crisis, which threatens to undermine the European project. Europeans are fast losing trust in Brussels. It is this that prompted the European Commission to declare 2013 as The...
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Goals of inclusive education
Do you agree that disabled children should be included in mainstream schools? My guess is that many of you have answered “yes” to that question. Of course, this is a good thing. It indicates that attitudes towards disabled people have changed since...
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Nostalgic visions of an island
It is a rather wet and grey late April day in New York. I sip my coffee as I read an article in The New York Times, contemplating the human condition, but my thoughts travel far away to a small Mediterranean island engulfed in blueness. I close my...
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No government time to waste
The Labour government is well into the third month of its life. Not long enough to assess it properly – that will be an ongoing exercise. But long enough to stop calling it new. The general election seems so far away. Its dust has settled. What...
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Daily scenes of busy business
Businessmen from Valletta, like their counterparts in Gozo, often lament the challenges to their businesses. Many of us don’t see this as a concern because when we visit, business and busy (ness) seem to be the order to the day. Last Friday, was a...
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Clear and valid proposals
In his first speech as Leader of the Opposition, Simon Busuttil explained that the Nationalist Party would carry out its duties loyally in Opposition, keeping a close eye on all that is being done by the Government. We will agree when things are...
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The quest for blue growth in Europe
This year’s edition of European Maritime Day centres on “Coastal development and sustainable maritime tourism: an investment for blue growth”. For two days in Valletta, experts from all maritime sectors and from all over Europe will discuss how to...
