Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/762759
maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2016 5 Republic Day Tal-Villagg Cafe & Wine Lounge 77, Triq il-Forn, Lija Tel: 27427058 • 9940 4487 Email: talvillagg@gmail.com talvillagglounge those helping to sending them back' a life of quality; which safeguard human dignity; and which pro- mote economic, cultural and social inclusion as well as equal opportunities for all." She paid tribute to the Maltese Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as "the guiding light in our pursuit of righteousness", even calling upon educators and leaders to bestow the sprit of these two documents upon their students and followers. Society and economy While lauding Malta's high rate of economic growth, the increase in jobs and reduction of unemployment, as well as the curtailment of national debt and the increase in the participation of women and the disabled in the workforce, Coleiro Preca re- gretted the existence of families struggling to make ends meet. "It would be an atrocity for our Republic if we do not take ad- vantage of this positive econom- ic growth in order to remove the barriers between social-eco- nomic anomalies," Coleiro Pre- ca said, in an appeal to politi- cians to take note of the parallel lives of people in Malta: haves reaping the benefits of foreign wealth, and have-nots still dis- tant from the trickle-down. "A caring republic does not ac- cept the theory that a healthy economy, which attracts local and foreign investment, should be based on hardworking per- sons who are paid a pittance. "Exploitation should have no roots in a truly ethical and moral structure, and therefore correct practice in this sector calls for the exploitation of these work- ers to be seriously condemned by the competent authorities," the President said, saying the writing had long been on the wall to raise the minimum wage. "The precarious worker, living in a state of constant uncertain- ty, cannot wait any longer." She also touched upon the ris- ing rental prices of property, reminding politicians and busi- nessmen that "a just republic" does not force families to live under the same roof when they cannot afford high rental rates "or, worse, are rendered home- less". "The market always seeks profit. Therefore, it is the State's obligation to ensure that the cit- izens of this country have access to habitable spaces with social rates. As the burden on individ- uals and families in this sector continues to increase, the com- petent authorities should step up the projects of new buildings as well as the refurbishment of existing buildings for social ac- commodation and ensure that these are ready as soon as pos- sible." 'Tension on environment' Coleiro Preca called for a cool- ing in the tension on the envi- ronment debate, calling for more dialogue and to put quality of life at the centre of the planning and development process. "Whenever I meet up with chil- dren, which is often enough, they always complain that there is a lack of open spaces where they can play… If we persist on this trajectory, future generations will not pay us homage. We cannot continue to enjoy the present mo- ment with complete disregard to the rights of future generations." She also signalled an impending waste crisis for the island due to its extensive consumption, call- ing it another aspect of Malta's environment which is detrimen- tal to people's health. More from the President's speech Economy "It is immoral to reduce people who have always worked hard and those who genuinely are not able to work to the brink of poverty or to a perpetual state of destitution. It would be an atrocity for our Republic if we do not take advantage of this positive economic growth in order to remove the barriers between social- economic anomalies." Equal pay for women and for men "Statistics by Eurostat, published in November of this year, indicate that the difference in wage for the same work between women and men is eleven percent lower for women. This social and economic gap is unacceptable and discriminatory and should be treated with the utmost seriousness and addressed with urgency." Domestic Violence "True freedom is based on mutual respect and the acknowledgement that the human body cannot be someone's property. I would like to appeal for the strengthening of interpersonal education, the improvement of all services involved in offering solidarity in this sector and the effective justice for all victims." Human Trafficking "If we turn a blind eye to this phenomenon, we would be annihilating the cry for civil rights." The environment "I appeal for diligence and integrity in the planning sector and for the absolute recognition that people come before profits. It is vital that our politicians work collectively towards a long-term environmental vision and strategy, which goes beyond a single legislation." Education "The hundreds of students who do not sit for their SEC exams, several other hundreds who fail these same exams after eleven years of obligatory schooling; the one-third of the student population which ends its obligatory education without the necessary basic skills; the approximate 20% of youths who are neither studying nor in training; the low participation of adults in life- long learning; and the lack of skills relating to the labour force, are among the worrying indicators relating to the education sector." Politics "Whatever achievements politicians managed to attain, through long hours of committee meetings, whatever laws they strove to enact for the benefit of all and sundry, were soon shot down through a smear campaign of accusations and counter-accusations, calling of names, insinuations, digging into personal lives and mudslinging. " The media "Freedom of expression does not give the right to threaten anyone's human rights, including respect for family life, and to privacy. As a nation, we cannot accept such obscenity. It is disgraceful for any person doing it. I reiterate my appeal to all political parties, public entities and all people of goodwill, to disassociate themselves publicly from these individuals." example' politicians in our country. Chil- dren and youths are voicing their disappointment at the way our politicians are behaving towards each other, setting bad examples when they should be role models." Coleiro Preca warned that this worrying situation would keep people away from public service. "I am taking this opportunity to appeal to and encourage children and young people in Malta and Gozo, to come forward and pro- claim that they expect politicians to behave in a way to inspire posi- tivity in politics. "I appeal to young people to be activist for the truth and to par- ticipate in politics, so as to ensure that, in future, our country will have leaders who portray, truth- fully and honestly, the voices of the people they represent. "The way in which the politician acts has a strong educational im- pact. Therefore, political debate should always be informative, humane and should show dignity, integrity, composure and, above all, respect." I am sincerely concerned about the behaviour of politicians in our country