A new initiative which will analyse the evolution of the Maltese identity, called ‘L-Istat tan-Nazzjon’ (The State of the Nation) has been announced on Saturday 20 March 2021, by the President of Malta, H.E. Dr George Vella.
This initiative will be led by communications consultant, Lou Bondi and University of Malta statistician and lecturer at the Department of Management within the Faculty of Economics, Management & Accountancy, Dr Vincent Marmara.
The State of the Nation will start with scientific research among the Maltese population, with the aim of understanding our beliefs, how we shape our values and principles, and who we’ve become in terms of our identity. It will survey, via telephone, not less than 1,000 persons aged 16 and above.
Dr Marmara told Newspoint that this study is not interested in people’s opinion on certain controversial matters, but will delve deeper to analyse what determines those opinions for different demographic segments.
“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”, he said.
The study will ultimately lead to a national conference on 4 June 2021, where the results of this research will be presented by Dr Marmara himself.
“I believe this survey is not only opportune but it further strengthens in a scientific and concrete way the discussion related to national unity … this conference in June will be an occasion where I will continue consolidating my intention to have an inclusive and respectful discussion”, said H.E., Dr Vella on his vision for the country.