The results of the scientific survey on the State of the Nation conducted by the statistician and lecturer at the University of Malta, Dr Vincent Marmarà, and the strategic communications consultant, Lou Bondi, were announced. The survey was conducted among a sample of 1,064 people, representing the whole society.

Mr Lou Bondi explained that after four years, it is increasingly possible to compare the results with previous years and better assess where the country is going. He recalled that this year the survey was conducted during an election campaign and the conference is being held only a few days after the elections.

While presenting the survey’s results, Dr Marmarà explained that the more time passes, the less the people feel that they need religion and political parties to make their decisions. He stated that “this is while we saw the great importance given to the role of families in our decision-making, as well as when we face problems. It is clear that the circle of trust that the people used to trust or rely on is shrinking, they are taking fewer risks in who they trust. Even the trust in media is decreasing”

Dr Marmarà explained that for many people, there is a conflict between what they need and what they want. He said that the survey shows that 35.2% think that foreigners are not the solution, but the people also believe that tourism is the most important sector for the continued growth of our economy. A sector which he described as particularly dependent on foreigners. He also remarked that results show that more people are feeling financially better off, but their expectations are changing.

At the opening of the national conference, the President of Malta Myriam Spiteri Debono explained that the starting point of the National Conference four years ago was important to examine, year-on-year, what changes might have occurred in the essence of the Maltese character.

The President said that the purpose of this conference is one: that the survey provides a source of information that can serve as a guide for the institutions with a mission among the people, not least the political parties, other political formations, various sectors that are driving the national economy.

“A study intended to be a guide and reference for the institutions and organisations working among the people, and particularly those aspiring to guide and lead the people at various levels of leadership”, concluded the President.