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Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government Owen Bonnici and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli have launched a legislative process in the House of Representatives to advance two amendments to the Constitution of Malta that aim to establish Maltese Anthem Day and strengthen the status of Valletta. The first amendment proposes declaring 27th December as the official Maltese Anthem Day. This day was chosen because on 27th December 1922 the Maltese Anthem, written by Dun Karm Psaila and Robert Samut, was played for the first time. The second amendment proposes that Valletta be formally established in our Constitution as the Capital City of our country. While Valletta has always served as the administrative centre and capital of Malta, our Constitution is silent on this point. By virtue of the amendment as proposed, Valletta will be formally recognised and therefore protected by the Constitution of Malta as the Capital City of our country. Through this decision, Valletta will be permanently protected by the highest law of the land, as a tribute and respect for its historical heritage and it is also proposed that this amendment be entrenched by a two-thirds vote of the House of Representatives. Minister Bonnici stressed that by virtue of these Constitutional amendments, Valletta will be given the constitutional safeguard it deserves. “As a Government, we are responding not only to the history of our country that has adorned Valletta with the highest dignity, but also to our values ​​as a nation that protects, respects and preserves what is its own,” continued Minister Bonnici. He listed the work that has been done to give Valletta a new lease of life from 2013 to date, with major investments in the cultural sectors that have led to the new life being given to this beautiful City. “This initiative confirms the Government’s commitment towards the protection of national identity, cultural heritage and the symbols that unite us as a people,” said Dr Bonnici. Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli stressed, “The amendments we have tabled today to recognise Valletta in law as the capital of Malta and to honour the National Anthem on 27 December are a natural step towards strengthening our identity and heritage. Valletta remains a symbol of history and culture that inspires us every day, and the Maltese Anthem unites us as a people. These are well-deserved recognitions that we make with pride towards our country.” “As a capital city, Valletta welcomes around 60,000 people every day, including workers, daily visitors, tourists, as well as those arriving by ferries and the cruise terminal. This demonstrates the central role that Valletta plays in our economy, tourism and cultural life, and further reinforces the need to continue to care for it with a clear and sustainable vision,” remarked Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli. Valletta Mayor Olaf McKay stated, “This is a moment that will remain etched in the history of Valletta. A worthy Constitutional Recognition for our Capital City with a unique heritage and a future that we must build on a long-term vision, for generations to come.”
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