L-Istat tan-Nazzjon’ (State of the Nation) national “scientific survey” which will analyse how the Maltese national identity is evolving, has been launched in collaboration with the Office of the President.

President George Vella announced that This initiative, which will be held regularly, is being taken by strategic communications consultant Lou Bondì and university statistician and lecturer Vincent Marmarà, in collaboration with the Office of the President.

“Rather than ‘who we are,’ we will be discussing ‘who we have become,’ as we are an evolving and changing society,” said the President, noting that the themes and topics which will be raised with the public in the survey and then discussed on the day of a conference to be held at the Verdala Palace on 4th June, reflect greatly and are very similar to those that emerged from the conference for National Unity organised on 27th February.

He went on to say that, “I believe that this survey is not only opportune but further strengthens in a scientific and concrete way the discussion related to national unity, which so far has been one that only gathered thoughts and ideas… this conference in June will be an occasion where I will continue consolidating my intention to have an inclusive and respectful discussion, that continues to grow and mature, about what the people of Malta are going through, what is causing division, and what can continue to unite us… My appeal, as always, is to respect opinions, which will not always concur, but it is important that these are all heard.”

While thanking in advance all those who are already involved, or will be involved in this initiative, the President urged the public to cooperate in the gathering of information during the survey.

“While we continue to be critical of all that is wrong around us, we must cherish all the positive that we have gained wisely and carefully over time,” said the President.

Dr Marmarà explained that the survey will be conducted by telephone with no less than a thousand people from among the entire population of Maltese citizens.

The goal is to gain a better understanding of who we are as a nation and what we believe in, what defines us, and what shapes our principles, he said.

Dr Marmarà added that the sample will be selected to reflect the country’s demographics so that before discussing the ‘state of the nation,’ the speakers and experts will have a picture of who the nation is and what defines it. In this way, the people will have their voices heard before the discussion.

Mr Bondì announced that the national conference on the 4th of June, which will be presided by the President of Malta, will be composed of 29 speakers – split into different panel discussions – and six moderators from all walks of life.

Among those who have already confirmed their participation are the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Archbishop.

Permalink: How the Maltese national identity is evolving – National survey