In a symbolic ceremony last Saturday, the Prime Minister, in his capacity as leader of the Nationalist Party, signed a public deed establishing AŻAD – the centre for political studies – as a foundation at law.
AŻAD, which stands for Akkademja għall-Iżvilupp ta’ Ambjent Demokratiku (Academy for the Development of a Democratic Environment), was set up 35 years ago at a time when the very essence of democracy in our country was put into question.
Its first president was Ċensu Tabone who presided between 1976 and 1987 followed by other distinguished personalities: Vanni Bonello (1987-1992), Mario Tabone (1992-1996), Michael Frendo (1996-1998), Richard Muscat (1998-2000) and Ranier Fsadni (2001-2010).
Last summer, I was appointed to head AŻAD and, following a thorough refurbishment of its premises in Republic Street, Valletta and the signing of AŻAD’s new statute, we are now ready to go.
I feel privileged to have been entrusted with this task. Not just because of the stature of the previous office holders but also because of the calibre of the members of the new board of AŻAD, which was also formally established with last Saturday’s signing ceremony.
The new AŻAD board is composed of Pierre Attard, Noel Buttigieg Scicluna (who will also serve as executive director), Richard Cachia Caruana, Alan Camilleri, Antoinette Caruana, Gordon Cordina, Alan Deidun, Ann Fenech, Josef Lauri, Alex Perici Calascione, RoseMarie Privitelli, Anika Psaila Savona, Alex Tortell, Franco Valletta and David Zahra. Max Ganado will serve as an external consultant to the board.
It is a fantastic team and together we will take forward AŻAD’s work programme.
But even as we do so, we are very conscious of how we got here.
AŻAD’s roots are glorious and we are proud of them because they are intertwined with our country’s history, having been established at a time when the development of our very own democratic environment was as important as our daily bread.
Today, we are following news on the dramatic events unfolding in neighbouring Tunisia where, just half an hour away from us, the Tunisian people are striving for their democratic aspirations. But these events cannot but remind us that we too were once on that brink. And AŻAD was specifically established to help us get out of that kind of situation.
Although Ċensu Tabone could not be with us last Saturday, I am sure he was there with us in spirit and I wish to acknowledge his pivotal role in the establishment of AŻAD and for his subsequent contribution to the academy and, of course, to the country.
My ambitions and that of the new board for AŻAD are very high.
Although the political context in the country is now radically different, the need for a political academy for the advancement of democracy is still there, if not even more pronounced. True, our country is now a stable democracy and a fully-fledged member of the European family. But, like any crop, democracy too needs to be cultivated.
And in a country where politics, if not also partisan politics, still remain something of a national pastime, there is still a great deal to be done to nurture political thought and study, a more mature political dialogue and an active political participation. There is still a great deal of space for arguments to be knocked against each and for the best ideas to come forth.
This is AŻAD’s role.
And although AŻAD was set up by the Nationalist Party, it will continue to operate – as it already has since the beginning – in an autonomous manner because its function is different from that of a political party. It will therefore be open to ideas not just from PN voters but from everyone.
Although, as a political institute, AŻAD draws on Christian democrat inspiration, it will remain open to contrasting political ideas. And although AŻAD operates in the political camp, it will reach out to people who are outside politics but who, nevertheless, have a valid contribution to make to the formulation of new policies and new political action.
This is where I would like AŻAD to go and if we manage to instigate more political study, more dialogue and more ideas, then, no doubt, AŻAD will be heard.
Concretely, AŻAD will continue to play a role in the formulation of new policies and in the political education of all those who wish to render a service in public political life – two crucial ingredients for the enhancement of democracy.
In the coming weeks, you will be hearing more about AŻAD as we start to implement our work plan and I hope to have the opportunity to see you getting involved. If you have ideas about how politics is run or should change, AŻAD is ready to welcome you.
www.simonbusuttil.eu
Dr Busuttil is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament.