Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/832512
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 4 JUNE 2017 4 News President calls for reconciliation MATTHEW AGIUS PRESIDENT of the Republic Marie Louise Coleiro Preca has called for national reconciliation in the wake of the bitter election campaign of 2017, saying that the country had become "less human" because of the division sown by the political parties during the campaign. In a televised speech broadcast nationwide last night, the Presi- dent appealed to political parties, institutions, workplaces and fami- lies, asking them to be activists for peace and unity. President Coleiro Preca observed that compassion, solidarity and the sense of community had all suffered during the brief electoral campaign and that the incidence of insults, name-calling and disre- spect had increased dramatically. The call is consistent with a cen- tral theme of Coleiro Preca's presi- dency, that of national unity and dialogue and ties in with many of her previous public addresses. She noted that despite this, abuse had increased in the past few weeks, warning that it would have "incalculable consequences". What had been started by the media, had been continued at workplaces, schools, places of en- tertainment, between neighbours, friends and families, said the Presi- dent, adding that "we all know that damage spreads rapidly." "The episodes of disrespect in recent weeks have only left losers," Coleiro Preca said. "Those who insulted and abused others have lost... those who were subjected to abuse have lost... the parties, in whose name these dis- respectful acts were made, have lost... the country, which has be- come less human, has lost... fami- lies in which hatred has taken root have lost. "I want to see the people return as soon as possible to reason and dialogue, elements that are the foundations of a true and strong democracy," she added. Reconcili- ation could not be built by avoid- ing each other, the President said, but by meeting and apologising to people that may have been antago- nised. "We must embrace those whom, in the past weeks, we have seen as rivals or enemies. "We know that in a few hours time, part of the population will be celebrating and another saddened. I appeal to the parties, the institu- tions, workplaces and families to be persons who kindle the light and activists for peace and unity." It is at this moment that aggres- sive and abusive language must stop being used, Coleiro Preca said. "We must return to dialogue built upon facts and reciprocal re- spect. I expect that party leaders start this themselves, by taking the first steps in this direction." The President expressed her pride at those Maltese and Gozi- tans, of various political view- points, who were respectful and dignified in the part they played in the democratic process. "Let us not forget that, whatever the outcome, we remain one peo- ple and one nation, neighbours and family members. Let us reu- nite, because it is only in unity that we can gain peace and sustainable well-being for our nation." "I want to see the people return as soon as possible to reason and dialogue, elements that are the foundations of a true and strong democracy"