From MaltaMedia.com
Malta commemorates Sette Giugno riots
By MaltaMedia News
Jun 7, 2008 - 12:57:57 PM
On Saturday, Malta commemorated the 7th of June 1919 riots in Valletta during which four Maltese men were killed by British troops. In the aftermath of this day, widely known as the Sette Giugno, the National Assembly was founded leading to a formal request for the island’s self-government. It was in March 1989 that this day was declared as a national holiday for Malta.
Being under British rule, the Maltese Islands gave their valid contribution to the Allies’ cause during the First World War. Malta’s main help to the British was through its dockyard and also as a hospital whereby thousands of sick and wounded soldiers were brought over to Malta. Furthermore hundreds of Maltese served as soldiers in the regiments.
The war brought employment, but the high cost of living, particularly the increase in the cost of bread, which was then the staple food of most Maltese families, created serious problems for those who found it difficult to make ends meet. Low wages and discontent arising from the local situation, triggered off the so called Sette Giugno Riots.
A commemorative ceremony was held at Palace Square, Valletta, in remembrance of the incident. Saturday morning's ceremony started at 0945CEST with Parliamentary Speaker, Dr Louis Galea meeting the deputy chamber members at the Palace and the Police accompanied by the Police Band march down Republic Street and positioned themselves in front of the Sette Giugno monument.
Later on, Mr Speaker, the Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi and new the Opposition Leader Dr Joseph Muscat together with the deputy members proceeded to give their solemn salute to the monument, followed by a speech for the occasion delivered by Parliamentary Speaker, Dr Louis Galea.
In his speech, Dr Louis Galea said that the general election has given the opportunity for reflection and the renewal of democracy and the structures that make it happen. The people’s wishes are necessary for the rekindling of the country’s democracy, Dr Galea said.
He continued to say that such renewal should start within the parliament. He reminded those present that the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty will be held on Thursday. If the treaty is given the go-ahead, this will affect the way the Maltese parliament works as of next January. While this would be a positive thing, it implies more scrutiny on proposals and European legislation. Mr Speaker therefore called for a reform plan on both the way the parliament works as well to increase the means and resources for the Maltese Parliament.
Dr Galea also called for the improvement of democratic tools, political parties, means of communication and civil society. “Although there are differences in parliament, I feel that there is an underlying political agreement on the basic concept of sustainable development emphasized in the Government’s programme”. Dr Galea said that there is the need to give a new meaning to politics and dialogue. In that way, parliament members can set the example for the nation to enter the new culture of sustainable development.
The historical context of Sette Giugno gives a clear message that such a new culture can be adopted through effort, Dr Galea said.
Wreaths of flowers were then placed by the Speaker, the Opposition Leader and other representatives of political parties and organisations. The ceremony in front of the monument closed with the Maltese National Anthem while the Police marched back from Republic Street.
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