’I Never Deleted Any Abortion Comments, No Matter How Misinformed They Were,’ Former Maltese President Says

Former President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca has said that while she is often criticised on social media for her pro-life views, she has never deleted a single comment – no matter how misinformed they are.

“Sometimes I see comments on my Facebook page, and people will call me and tell me that I should remove certain comments, and that it is not right that they appear,” Coleiro Preca said when interviewed on Jon Mallia’s podcast Il-Podcast ta’ Jon.

“I have never ever deleted a single comment. I don’t really have time to dedicate for social media, but occasionally I do engage with people in a respectful manner.”

Coleiro Preca explained that she likes engaging with people on a one-to one level and that she doesn’t like dismissing other opinions, even those spouted by people who publicly attack her.

However, she insisted that people should inform themselves on a topic before forming an opinion, using the abortion amendment currently being discussed in Parliament as an example.

“If I am making a point, and a person does not see my point, they have every right to because that is democracy – having a wide range of thoughts and ideas. But to have an opinion, you must be informed. And it is a pity that we do not inform the public. I am not expecting people to read the amendment, but why don’t we tell the people the full story and then trust them to make a judgement?”

Ahead of the full interview being released, check out a preview clip below: