Debattista spoke out following today’s Youth Parliament session, an annual event organised by the National Youth Council (KNŻ) which sees youths debate controversial topics in Parliament in the presence of MPs.

This year’s debate focused on abortion, with MPs praising pro-life and pro-choice youths for the maturity they displayed when debating a topic that is often discussed in an emotional and angry manner.

However, the debate was marred by a number of empty seats on the pro-choice side of the House.

Earlier this month, KNŻ warned that one of the groups, believed to be the pro-life one, had sent the names of the youths in the other group to a third party, who proceeded to publish their names on Facebook “as a form of intimidation”.

“We condemn this immature behaviour and will do our utmost to resolve this situation,” it said. “The Youth Parliament should be a safe space, open to discussion and respect to opposing opinions, with no space for blackmail.”

Debattista agreed, stating it is unacceptable to intimidate people from expressing opinions they may disagree with.

“Today, I saw brave youths, from both sides [pro-life and pro-choice], in the nation’s highest institutions, who weren’t scared to speak out even though some were told that doing so could harm their career. We need to learn the meaning of the word ‘respect’.”

At the end of the debate, Reforms Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg praised the pro-choice protesters who took to the streets of Valletta last weekend, stating they have the “courage to make their voices heard” and that politicians must “give value” to their opinions. 

Malta has some of the strictest anti-abortion laws in the world, with abortion illegal in all circumstances unless the mother’s life is at risk.

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