Letters to the editor – February 3, 2026

Exemplary leadership

Henri Grech of Mosta writes:

With world order being virtually ripped to shreds in front of our very own eyes, few of us would have not welcomed the breath of fresh air that has emanated from Davos a few days ago. No doubt, you would have immediately realised I am referring to the speech by Mark Carney, Canada’s prime minister. If you have not yet had the chance to listen to it, it’s certainly worth putting aside half an hour of your time to do so.

Here is a rare but much needed example of what country leadership should look like. His analysis of the current geopolitical and economic landscape, in addition to the ongoing disregard to sovereignty and human rights across the globe, was very insightful.

Mark Carney speaking at the World Economic Forum. Photo: WEF

Here is a leader with intellect, wisdom and strong moral compass who is able to effectively reprimand the international community for not challenging current norms. He has certainly not pulled his punches but has done so with unbeatable eloquence using respectful diplomatic language.

The message was well received as he was greeted with a standing ovation after his speech, a seemingly unusual response at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Hardly 24 hours elapse before the US president makes an open suggestion that NATO forces kept away from the frontline in Afghanistan, implying that it was mainly the US military that engaged in frontline activity. Few of us would disagree with the reaction and sentiments expressed in response to such careless remarks, coming from a world leader.

Many a line had been crossed before but this one in particular was insulting and caused deep hurt to many families of NATO countries, like the US, who endured many tragic losses in addition to servicemen/women sustaining severe life-changing injuries.

One may think that such a statement does not affect us in Malta. I, for one, have a few dear friends of dual nationality who served in Afghanistan during the long-drawn-out conflict.

Is it too much to ask of world leaders to make sure they have their facts right before talking about particular subjects, especially when it involves considering the cost of defending freedom, democracy and one of its by-products, that of geopolitical stability? Perhaps we can have an explanation from local US representatives as to what was meant by the careless and disrespectful remarks that went down like a lead balloon.

No room on the bus

Giuliano Borg of Gżira writes:

As an elderly man, I sympathise with Christopher Walker’s discomfort on our buses (January 27). 

I am surprised that he was not offered a seat on our crowded buses. The Maltese people are normally renowned for their hospitality.  This elderly man from Ireland is a keen visitor to Malta and is determined to keep visiting our islands.

I urge passengers on buses to respect the elderly and the disabled. They deserve it.