In a relatively radical stance for Maltese politics, the new leader of green party Alternattiva Demokratika has said a national debate on abortion would be healthy for society… even though he is personally against its introduction. 

Malta has the most restrictive abortion laws in the world but several Maltese women travel abroad to get an abortion every year. Despite the island’s small population, official statistics show the number of Maltese women who travelled to the UK for an abortion in 2015 was the fifth highest in the world. In all, 58 woman from Malta travelled to the UK for an abortion that year, more than from any other country save Ireland (3,451), the United Arab Emirates (137), Italy (69) and France (65).

“Official British statistics show 58 Maltese people had an abortion in England and Wales in 2015; this is a reality and it is always healthy in politics to have mature debates with detailed research,” Carmel Cacopardo told Lovin Malta. “Nothing is ever static in politics.”

He said AD’s official stance, as well as his own personal one, remains anti-abortion and doesn’t envisage it to change under his leadership but didn’t rule out his successor adopting a more pro-choice position. 

A group of youths called for a debate on abortion during this year’s National Youth Parliament. Photo: DOI

Cacopardo first made this pitch when he was elected leader last week, in the wake of a call by a group of youths participating in the annual National Youth Parliament. Indeed, he told Lovin Malta, it should be Maltese youths who spearhead this debate.  

“The introduction of divorce in 2011, which AD had been pushing for 25 years, was a watershed moment in Maltese politics,” he said. “It signified a change in attitude, and from then on Malta decided it was ethically pluralistic, and realised that different ideas coexist. The fact youths are debating such issues is healthy as debate is the basis of change, and we should encourage them to question everything.”

The other political leaders – Labour’s Joseph Muscat, PN’s Adrian Delia, PD’s Marlene Farrugia, and the Patrijotti’s Henry Battistino – have all come out strongly against abortion. 

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Tim Diacono

Tim is interested in the rapid evolution of human society and is passionate about justice, human rights and cutting-edge political debates. You can follow him on Instagram or Twitter/X at @timdiacono or reach out to him at [email protected]