PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER “Peace at Home, Peace in the World is not a slogan — it is a moral standard”– Speaker of the House of Representatives

“Peace at Home, Peace in the World is not a slogan — it is a moral standard,” stated Speaker Anġlu Farrugia when he addressed those present at the opening of the exhibition entitled “Peace at Home — Peace in the World” in Parliament. At a time when the word peace has nearly vanished from public discourse, its absence is deeply felt — in homes where anxiety replaces understanding, in workplaces where pressure erodes dignity, in politics where division is rewarded, and across a world where war once again dominates headlines. Peace, he stressed, cannot be demanded abroad if it is neglected within our own societies.

Recalling the words of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa, the Speaker underscored that peace is not a distant destination but a daily responsibility — rooted in compassion, restraint and the recognition that we belong to one another. Within Parliament’s walls, founded on the principle that dialogue must prevail over violence and law over force, he invoked Malta’s own history and Dom Mintoff’s conviction that peace requires the active defence of dignity, independence and social justice.

Quoting Leo Tolstoy’s warning against coercion and Albert Camus’ belief that peace is the only battle worth waging, the Speaker reminded those present that every political decision carries a human consequence. This exhibition does not offer comfort, it demands conscience. Peace begins long before treaties are signed. It begins in how we speak, how we govern, how we disagree, and how we protect the vulnerable — peace is shaped by what we tolerate at home and judged by what we defend in the world, concluded Speaker Anġlu Farrugia.

Beppe Fenech Adami MP, Carmelo Abela MP & Mr Fethi Etem Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the Republic of Turkiye to Malta, addressed those present.