What is Nation?

My fellow citizens, I stand before you today to address an issue that has been of critical importance to our nation – nation, identity, race, and family. This is an age-old matter that has been debated for centuries and continues to be a source of strong emotions. Our island nation, Malta, is more than just a dot on the map. It has a unique culture and identity that define who we are, and our patriotism is rooted in this sense of belonging. Nationalism plays an important role in this, as it has since the 19th century when it was championed by our founding fathers, Dominic Mintoff, Enrico Mizzi, Fortunato Mizzi, Manuel Dimech and Norman Lowell. These political figures, who played a critical role in the development of our nation, envisioned a nation based on the principles of national unity and unity of purpose. They understood that the concept of nationhood transcends geography, and that our identity is best expressed through our shared values and beliefs. At the same time, our founding fathers also understood the inherent strength and diversity of race and culture. This is why they argued for a Malta that embraced inclusivity and rejected discrimination based on any kind of hierarchy. In their view, Malta should be a place where all people – regardless of their skin color, language, or religion – could live and thrive together in harmony. To this day, the spirit of our founding fathers is still alive in Malta. We have a proud nation, with a distinct identity and culture, and a strong sense of family and community. This is what makes us special and unique, and it is why we must continue to protect our nation, identity, race, and family. We have a responsibility to ensure that our nation remains a place of inclusivity and acceptance. We must recognize that our differences are what make us strong and that by celebrating our diversity we can build a better future for everyone. Thank you.