In a recent public address by former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat last Saturday, the issue of abortion rights took center stage as he emphasized the need for the Labour Party to champion the right of women to make decisions about their own bodies over the next decade. Muscat’s remarks, which received applause from a significant portion of the audience, have reignited the debate surrounding abortion in Malta.
After Muscat’s speech, notably absent was any condemnation from Alex Agius Saliba regarding the activity, which was a public meeting organized by him. Agius Saliba, a prominent figure within the Labor Party and the star candidate for the Labor Party in the upcoming MEPs election scheduled for June, refrained from publicly denouncing or distancing himself from Muscat’s position, despite the sensitive nature of the subject and its potential political ramifications.
This silence raises questions about where the current Prime Minister, Robert Abela, stands on the issue. During an interview with Mr. Reno Bugeja on “Dissett,” Abela stated unequivocally that if Muscat were to campaign in favor of abortion, he would oppose him as Prime Minister. However, as Muscat’s remarks suggest a clear endorsement of pro-choice principles, it prompts scrutiny of Abela’s position.
The Maltese public now finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with whether Abela will uphold his previous statements or if, like his predecessor, his stance on abortion has shifted. The issue of abortion remains deeply divisive in Malta, a predominantly Catholic country where the topic is often approached with caution and sensitivity.
The coming days are likely to see heightened scrutiny of Abela’s response to Muscat’s remarks, as the nation awaits clarity on where its leader stands on one of the most polarizing issues of our time.
