Malta experienced its version of Brexit 40 years ago when the last of the British Forces departed the island after a presence of almost 180 years, Partit Demokratiku said in a statement.
The British left Malta a wealthy inheritance, including established governance, Commonwealth membership, a skilled workforce, an English speaking nation, military cities of ornate barracks and married quarters, dry docks and a massive flight information region.
On the day Malta celebrated Freedom Day, PD calls for a study to analyse the possible re-allocation of Freedom Day monument to a more open and suitable place that bears true identity.
The present location is one that does not attribute the honour and aura that such a monument deserves. It has become little better than a traffic island. Moreover it has aesthetically ruined the significance of St Lawrence square and its famed church, PD said.
"In 1979, our Armed Forces were pushed to the fore and tasked to protect and defend our island state, a role they have taken on with admiration. In fact, a motion was once passed to transform Freedom Day into Armed Forces Day, but this seems to have been shelved," stated Sec Gen and MEP candidate Martin Cauchi Inglott.
"Those older than forty certainly recall a different kind of freedom: the freedom where we enjoyed a beautiful unspoilt and tranquil country, with clear blue seas, often referred to the gem in the Mediterranean. So has our hard earned freedom really transformed into quality of life?" asks MEP candidate Anthony Buttigieg.
"Perhaps not as we find ourselves, in a nation abounding with ugly concrete structures, where tower cranes have taken the place of trees, and walking in the little remaining countryside is threatened by some hunters and trappers. We have even lost fresh air. But of course not the oligarchs, who are enjoying excessive returns on their existing wealth, and are escaping the ill effects through their luxury holidays abroad."
If it were up to Partit Demokratiku, Freedom Day would be celebrated when we are free from the oligarchs' grip on government and our public land, and where every business competes equally for government contracts. Real freedom means that all of us are able to realise our full potential and capabilities without political, social and peer influence. When we manage that, then yes, we can start celebrating Freedom Day again.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2I3ogyM
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