PRESIDENT DE MARCO SPEAKS ABOUT THE ROLE OF POLITICS AS A SERVICE TO PEOPLES AT THE ALCIDE DE GASPARI FOUNDATION

The President of Malta, Prof Guido de Marco spoke of the primary role of politics in the service of peoples while addressing the Alcide De Gasperi Foundation in Rome. The President was addressing an international forum entitled The Individual and Democracy for Development and Peace in a Globalised World.

Attending this meeting were, amongst others, the former president of Italy Oscar Luigi Scalfaro, Emilio Colombo, the former Prim Minister of Norway,Kjell Magne Bondevik, Mons. Giovann Battista RE, a leading prelate in the Vatican and Maria Romana De Gasperi, daughter of the Italian Statesman, Alcide De Gasperi. Senator Angelo Bernassola presided over the meeting.

In his intervention, President de Marco refered to the process of globalisation as one which has to be directed in such a way as not to render the rich and powerful countries richer and more powerful and the poor and weak countries weaker and poorer. The globalisation process is positive in itself but governments and peoples have to ensure that the dignity and future of those peoples living in in lesser developed countries be not discriminated against. Prof. de Marco spoke of the need of United Nations reform in order to ensure the proper development of peace in the world.

The President also underlined the need of values in politics. In this context, the President referred to the primacy of politics in order to ensure that those in society who need greater protection and assistance be properly safeguarded. The advancement of people requiring greater attention will always remain the first responsibility of those who have the governance of the state entrusted to them.

In the evening, the President and Mrs. de Marco as well as the other heads of state present in Rome, were received by President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi at the Quirinale.