Two AFM King Airs complete a flypast over the Palace. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

In her first speech as head of State, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca urged society not to fear social change brought about by diversity and multiculturalism.

Addressing dignitaries in the Grand Council Chamber at the Palace, in Valletta, after taking her oath of office in a special session of Parliament, Ms Coleiro Preca spoke of the need to respect diversity.

“Let us not fear these social changes. This is an opportunity,” she said. Her presidency, she added, would be characterised by a commitment to work for an inclusive society, tolerance and diversity.

On immigration, Ms Coleiro Preca said the country had to shoulder its humanitarian obligations.

However, she acknowledged that size limitations prevented the country from giving immigrants “the best” and called on the international community to help Malta.

“We must continue working to find lasting solutions, to be catalysts in the process and smash the criminal rings of international [human] traffickers that are destroying thousands of lives,” she said.

This is an opportunity

At 55, she is the youngest and only the second woman President. She was appointed with a unanimous vote in Parliament last Tuesday.

Touching on various aspects that she will be focusing on during her term, Ms Coleiro Preca emphasised her role as “a catalyst for unity”.

Reading from a prepared speech, she insisted it did not matter that people held different views and constructively criticised each other.

“This [divergence] is needed but it is also good to realise that, through unity, we can help each other.

“This is how a State and democracy are strengthened.”

Addressing any concerns related to her past connection with the Labour Party ­ she militated in the party for four decades – Ms Coleiro Preca insisted she would “scrupulously” ensure political impartiality.

In a heartfelt appeal to parents, she asked for children and young people to be given the space to voice their aspirations.

And it was a group of more than 300 children who greeted her when she arrived in Valletta for the ceremony. They were gathered in front of the Social Solidarity Ministry, which she headed until Tuesday.

As minister, she spearheaded a draft law to strengthen children’s rights and has pledged her commitment to keep pushing the cause during her presidency.

Maria Victoria Galea, 15, and Megan Portelli, 12, were in the group.

“We’re very happy to be here. She gave us a voice,” the two agreed, adding that they were among the children consulted ahead of the drafting of the law.

Additional reporting by Claudia Calleja.