Prime Minister Joseph Muscat this evening thanked his predecessor Lawrence Gonzi saying that although many might imagine that it was difficult for one to find words of appreciation for an opponent, it had never been as easy as today.
For all those opting for public life did so with the best of intentions.
Dr Muscat said Dr Gonzi gave the country an unconditional service and although this did not mean that both sides had always agreed on the method, they always did on the final aim, which was to improve the people’s standard of living.
The Prime Minister said that the House was today losing its best orator.
He told Dr Gonzi:
“In you I have found a strong adversary… When I embarked on my career as leader of the Labour Party I was frequently concerned at having to fight you politically. It was a challenge I learnt a lot from. You were always strong and prepared ready for the political fight but you knew where to draw the line.”
Dr Muscat said that Dr Gonzi was the first Maltese Prime Minister to take part in European Council meetings which were tough and in which one was expected to be an expert on everything.
He praised Dr Gonzi for his work with the disabled and also thanked Mrs Gonzi saying she worked the room and was one of the best campaigners he had ever met.
'YOU WERE ALWAYS TRUE TO YOUR PRINCIPLES' - BUSUTTIL
Opposition leader Simon Busuttil said Dr Gonzi had won respect because he had worked for it.
This, he said, was an emotional moment, the end of an era for the Nationalist Party and for the House.
Dr Gonzi had shown limitless dedication and confidence in the Maltese people. It was this confidence which had always inspired him and which had always borne results.
Dr Busuttil said that Dr Gonzi was always consistent in his principles and loyal to his values.
“To this we are grateful.”
He thanked Malta for his work within the EU where there was great respect for how he had led Malta and the way he used the force of reason to convince.
Dr Busuttil said he could never forget the moments during which Dr Gonzi had to take difficult decision about Libya, when he was also threatened by the regime but remained strong in line with his values and to safeguard human life.
This was what turned a politician into a statesman, Dr Busuttil said.
He said that the House would be losing Dr Gonzi’s ability and experience.
“I feel honoured to have worked with you closely and to have shared with you moments of joy and sorrow…
“On behalf of myself and the Opposition, I thank you for what you did for the country, for always seeking what was best… You were always true to your principles.”
Dr Busuttil also thanked Dr Gonzi’s family for their support throughout his career.
Speaker Anglu Farrugia told Dr Gonzi that his loss would leave a big void in Parliament.
A resignation was always a sad but when one resigned freely, as Dr Gonzi was doing, one would enjoy the satisfaction that he did his best for the country.