‘You Gave Birth To New Hope’: Malta Reacts To Metsola’s Landslide Triumph As European Parliament President
Following Roberta Metsola’s landslide victory at the European Parliament Presidency elections, Malta has reacted and praised her for her historic achievement.
Prime Minister Robert Abela was amongst the first to send out his praise, moments after her election.
Congratulations @RobertaMetsola. I look forward to working together on mutual priorities. – RA
— Robert Abela (@RobertAbela_MT) January 18, 2022
“Congratulations Roberta Metsola. I look forward to working together on mutual priorities,” Abela said.
Others have taken to social media to express their pride in the outstanding achievement.
“Roberta, I find myself emotional and proud that you are the new President of the European Parliament. Your achievement has touched the hearts of thousands of youths, both Maltese and Gozitans, who can now continue to believe in themselves. You gave birth to new hope, that when you fight for what is right you will always emerge a winner,” said Opposition Leader Bernard Grech.
@RobertaMetsola has been elected as The New @Europarl_EN President with an overwhelming majority of 458 votes ! pic.twitter.com/dMMP16ChYh
— EU Commission Malta (@ECRepMalta) January 18, 2022
The President of Malta also praised Dr. Roberta Metsola, whose office augered her success in fulfilling the onerous duties and responsibilities that the position entails.
“This is also a very important achievement for our country, which has time and time again proved that if united, our size and geography pose no obstacle to vision and commitment,” wrote George Vella.
“Be proud and believe. Congratulations to Roberta Metsola,” wrote Nationalist candidate, Joe Giglio.
“Next time someone tells you ‘it’s impossible, ‘you’ll never make it’, ‘Malta is insignificant’, ‘politics is a waste of time’, don’t even try’, ‘give up’, remember that Roberta Metsola, a young woman from Gzira who took nine years to win her first election, is now officially the President of the European Parliament, the youngest one in history,” wrote political strategist Christian Peregin.
“I would like to congratulate Roberta Metsola as the first Maltese to take this charge,” wrote Energy Minister Miriam Dalli, who worked closely with Metsola during her stint as MEP.
Fellow Maltese MEPs also had their say.
“The 18th of January 2022 is a day we will never forget. Today, every Maltese man and woman, all of us, are proud that one of us shall be leading the European Parliament,” wrote David Casa, MEP.
“I am happy for Roberta Metsola for achieving her new role as EPP. As I always said, I’m happy when a fellow countryman or woman makes history abroad,” wrote Alex Agius Saliba, MEP.
“I look forward to seeing a more equal, inclusive and social Europe,” wrote Josianne Cutajar, MEP.
Congratulations to @RobertaMetsola upon her election as President of the #EuropeanParliament.
I look forward to seeing a more equal, inclusive and social Europe — a #Europe based on greater solidarity 🇲🇹 🇪🇺
— Josianne Cutajar (@josiannecutajar) January 18, 2022
Metsola became the youngest ever European Parliament President in history and the first-ever Maltese politician to land one of the EU’s top jobs.
Additionally, she is the first female president since the year 2002 and the third female President of the European Parliament altogether. Still, her eyes lie ever on the horizon.
“Thank you, but now let’s get to work,” said Metsola, following her victory.
This article is part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author’s view. The European Parliament is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.
How happy are we for Roberta Metsola’s outstanding Victory?