President touches on rule of law in Republic Day address

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca spoke of the rule of law, the need for constitutional reform and people's concerns about drug legalisation in a Republic Day address on Wednesday. "I believe that the rule of law is as strong as the people acknowledge it to be, as much as they believe in it, cherish it, and continue to support it. "If, as a nation, we end up believing that the law of power outstrips the rule oflaw, it will be difficult to strengthen the rule of law and to maintain its place asa key element in a strong democracy," the President said at the Palace. She said she was therefore reiterating her appeal for Constitutional renewal. "Constitutional reform should encourage and involve the participation of the entire nation. I truly believe that this process should be a public and transparent one." The President expressed her regret following the murder of blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia and expressed solidarity with journalists. "We understand that condemnation for this horrendous act is no consolation for the victim's family. On the other hand, the developments that occurred in the investigations should give us hope that justice will be served," the President said...