Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542822
14 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 25 JANUARY 2026 NEWS President says low voter turnout highlights need for electoral reform President Myriam Spiteri Debono reiterates calls for country leaders to respect international law in wake of US President Donald Trump's threats to take over Greenland PRESIDENT Myriam Spiteri Debono said "worrying voter turnout" trend shows the need for reforming the electoral sys- tem. Speaking on TVM's XTRA hosted by Saviour Balzan last Thursday, Spiteri Debono said the reform should come af- ter the next general election and when the "environment is right". The current legislature ends in 2027 unless Prime Minister Robert Abela calls an early elec- tion. She hoped electoral reform would be pledged by both the Nationalist and Labour parties in their electoral manifestos, stating the best time for reform would be at the start of a legis- lature. The president called for in- creases to MPs' wages, saying one of the biggest obstacles in getting people interested in po- litical life is proper remunera- tion. Malta on the world stage Spiteri Debono referred to a speech she made to the diplo- matic corps against a "might is right" world order. "It is imperative there is an attitude of respect towards [in- ternational law]. One must see international law as a moral measurement of peace and har- mony," she said, in the context of American President Don- ald Trump's threats to invade Greenland and the extraction of Venezuelan President Nico- las Maduro by US special forces from Caracas. She reiterated her belief that the United Nations Human Rights Charter, which was drafted after the Second World War, should be revised. "Today, there are UN mem- bers such as the African col- onies, that gained their inde- pendence in the 60s which weren't in the UN when the charter was written. When you have a changing scenario, it is obvious that certain things need to change," she explained whilst underlining that this won't be easy as the five perma- nent member countries in the UN Security Council, all former colonial powers, hold a veto. The president said that she believes Malta has always been vocal in international fora, in- cluding in the UN where Mal- ta was instrumental in high- lighting climate change related problems in the 80s. "There is the need for this, but realistically, any country even bigger than Malta, must be careful to not step on the calluses of those on which they depend for their livelihood, de- velopment and economy," she said. Malta, she said, always took the right diplomatic steps, even siding with the EU's dec- larations whose principals are based on a conscientious inter- pretation of international law. "What we have right now is someone without a conscious, who only sees his path while distancing himself from the concepts of harmony amongst peoples," she continued, hint- ing at Trump who has recently stated that peace is no longer a priority for him following the Nobel Peace Prize snub. Housing problem Speaking on housing she said it is the greatest challenge fac- ing young people in Malta to- day. Spiteri Debono said she was concerned government finan- cial aid might be absorbed by the market and in turn lead to even higher property prices. She recognised the problem of housing was for the bigger part solved, "but will never be fully solved." "I believe the government should provide accomodation for those who no matter what they sacrifice, still can't cover the cost of decent housing," she said. The President also voiced her frustration over the possibility of having the auditor gener- al and deputy auditor general roles vacant at the same time. The term of the incumbents will expire in March and a two- thirds parliamentary majority is required to appoint their re- placements. When asked if she is privy to ongoing discussions to fill these posts, Spiteri Debono didn't re- ply, saying it is a delicate issue which should be resolved at the earliest possible. She also said a smooth process would signal harmony between the two par- ties. On the recent debate over charity telethons, the president said money being collected for the Malta Community Chest Fund shouldn't come at the ex- pense of showcasing people's misery. She said that many patients that receive help from the MC- CF offer to help out and are willing to share their story. Spiteri Debono also defend- ed the work of the Community Chest Fund, saying that it sup- ports patients when they are caught in government bureau- cracy. President Myriam Spiteri Debono interviewed by XTRA host Saviour Balzan on TVM (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday) ILENIA DEBONO idebono@mediatoday.com.mt President Myriam Spiteri Debono (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)