Only Labour can guarantee Maltese pastimes and traditions

The resistance to the Nationalist Party's constitutional bill by various stakeholders was fierce and understandable.

Had it gone through, it would have created an unprecedented threat to numerous pastimes and Maltese traditions.  We stopped it before it could create havoc.

Whether the intention was to undermine Maltese traditions or whether it was a badly planned motion is anybody's guess, but the PN managed, once again, to create a coalition of people and organisations against it.

To add insult to injury, they lashed out at the many organisations that strongly opposed their bill and insinuated that they were 'conditioned' by the government. The more things change, the more they remain the same.

A huge threat

Had the PN's motion gone through we would soon be facing a situation whereby someone miffed by the sound of Church bells at festa time; or the sound of the festa fireworks during the beautiful Maltese summer nights, or the sound of gunshots during the hunting season, or even the humming of the car engines belonging to the motor sport enthusiasts, would go to the Maltese Courts and ask that the activity "harmful to the environment" be stopped. 

The Courts could also order interim measures until the case is resolved. It was that serious, and no wonder, then, the fierce opposition that it received.  In Parliament, we, on the government side of the House, spoke strongly against the PN's proposed motion, and at voting time, we voted against it.

Festa

As the Minister responsible for Culture and the Arts, of which the Maltese festa is an integral part, I was in disbelief when I read the PN's proposed constitutional changes.

I realised immediately that its effect on Maltese traditions, the local festa in particular, would be in grave danger. We have all witnessed calls from certain people and organisations, especially those who live in Malta's village cores, to abolish the festa fireworks and to restrict band marches along the village streets.

They state that these events cause noise pollution and disturb their peace. Had the PN had its way, these individuals and organisations would have had the legal tools to further challenge these local traditions. It was that dangerous.

Sunday

This Sunday, at the Labour Party event in Bormla, Prime Minister Robert Abela will lead a discussion with numerous organisations representing local pastimes and traditions.

We're clear: As long as Labour is in government, local pastimes and traditions shall be safeguarded. You have our word.

Palestine

Earlier this week, I attended the flag-raising event at the Palestinian Embassy alongside Prime Minister Robert Abela and other colleagues.

It was a unique occasion and a momentous moment for the local Palestinian community, who have been waiting for this incredible moment for decades. Malta, together with most of the international community, has now recognised Palestine as a state. Malta has always been a vociferous supporter of a two-state solution.

At the event, I met Ibrahim, the young Palestinian from Gaza, who was given medical help in Malta after losing his limbs back home. Ibrahim is now on his path to recovery. Malta has given this young man a fresh start. We were welcomed at the embassy by Ambassador Fadi Hanania and Suha Arafat, widow of the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, the latter a larger-than-life political leader who dominated Middle East politics for decades.

Notte Bianca

This year's Notte Bianca was the best so far. Thousands of Maltese families and visitors went to Valletta last Saturday to enjoy the many activities and the beautiful palaces and historical places that Notte Bianca and our Capital City have to offer.

It was a truly special night, providing a great platform to many of our local and talented artists, whilst the commercial community in Valletta registered strong business activity.

Notte Bianca has now become a staple of Malta's cultural and artistic events, and this year was an extraordinary success. Next year, it will be even better! Thank you to Festivals Malta, the Valletta Local Council, and all those who made this event one to remember.

Conspiracy theories

It was a bad week for the opposition leader. After the constitutional motion fiasco, Alex Borg spoke against generic medicines. The Malta Medicines Authority, the Chamber of Pharmacists, MAM (the Doctors' Union), and the Superintendence for Public Health issued statements expressing their concern following Borg's unbelievable statement. Two days after Borg's conspiracy theory, no public apology from his office has been issued. 

 Budget 2026

Preparations are underway for Budget 2026, which is to be announced this same month. 

The Prime Minister went down on record to say that this will be a very good budget and the people at large will benefit from the various measures which will be introduced. We can afford to do that because we have the fastest-growing economy in the EU. The best is yet to come.