Agius Saliba’s third reason was because he claimed that Metsola took two different stances on abortion in Malta and in the EU. He stated that in his position within the S&D group, it would be easier for him to state that he is in favour of abortion, but wanted to remain consistent with what he campaigned.

His fourth and last reason had to do with her stance on defence and security, something he has consistently condemned. In fact, before listing these reasons, he stated that all PL MEPs voted against a defence union during this plenary session, something that was passed nonetheless since it received a majority.

He said that this resolution calls for European arms to be directly used on Russian targets.

Agius Saliba continued to say that Prime Minister Robert Abela was aware of their voting choice, having discussed it with him earlier. He said that at the end of the day, no one has the power to force a certain vote on anything else – something Agius Saliba said that the Prime Minister did not attempt to do anyway.

Meanwhile, he also justified his reason for not voting for the Spanish nominee, and this was that one of her priorities is to push for safe and legal access to abortion within all of the EU, despite this not being something the European Parliament or union can decide since matters of health are a national competence.

This action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament’s grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.

Do you think these reasons are justifiable?