President George Abela was handed a copy of the controversial speech he read at the opening of Parliament at least two days in advance, The Times has learnt.
The speech was criticised for its partisan undertone and Dr Abela last Sunday appeared to distance himself from its content, saying: “As you saw on TV, the Prime Minister gets up and passes it on to the President to read it.”
Both his office and that of the Prime Minister have declined to comment any further on the matter. However, sources have indicated that Dr Abela was aware of the contents of the speech before it was delivered.
“Nobody will say it but there was ample time for the President to suggest any changes he felt were necessary,” the source said. “It’s would be misleading to imply that the first time he saw it was at Parliament’s inauguration ceremony.”
The Times asked the Office of the President whether Dr Abela had seen the speech beforehand and whether he had made, or suggested, any changes to it. A spokeswoman said Dr Abela would not be making any further comment.
A spokesman at the Office of the Prime Minister also said they had nothing to add, noting that the Prime Minister had already said Dr Abela’s calls...
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