Question time: Call for a higher role

Felix Busuttil, Labour Party MEP candidate

The appointment of the next president of Malta is due in two months, so it is not surprising that the media and the public have been discussing and speculating on who our next president should be. 

We have also seen comments from prominent members of the parliamentary Opposition. Unfortunately, they have tried to politicise this decision. They spoke about political affiliations and not about the person’s qualities, giving the impression that people with political backgrounds cannot rise above their political beliefs. History shows otherwise. 

Our country has built a tradition of excellent statesmen and stateswomen who made us proud.

I must note that this government has shown, on more than one occasion, that it has no difficulty in going across the political aisle when taking its decisions. However, when choosing a president, the requisites should be different than just political background. 

I believe that there are three characteristics that our next president should have. First of all, the chosen person must be competent and qualified for the role. A president should have an array of political and professional experience that gives...