Weber’s study was picked up by the German newspaper Bild, which referred to her LLD thesis as a “doctoral thesis” but expressed surprise when Metsola’s spokesperson said she doesn’t have a doctorate even though she refers to herself as “Doctor”.

The dispute is believed to be due to a difference between the educational systems of Germany and Malta. In Germany,  the title of ‘Doctor’ is only given to people who have completed a PhD, which requires extensive personal and original research.

However, in Malta, you could also become a “Doctor” in 2003 by obtaining a LLD (legacy doctorate degree), which is equivalent to a Master’s level of study. The system later changed and graduates are now given the M.Adv or an M.Not title, but still get to use the “Doctor” title.

“Although the EU Parliament President does not hold a doctorate, she is referred to as “Dr. Metsola” on the website of her conservative EPP group,” Bild wrote.

“Additional photos circulating online show her being introduced with the doctoral title at public events. It is difficult to reconcile this with her communications manager’s claim that Metsola has never pretended to hold a doctorate.”

Questioned by Bild, University of Malta Rector Alfred Vella said they will look into the plagiarism allegations into Metsola.

However, a spokesperson for Metsola denied the plagiarism accusations.

“The President stands by the authenticity of her work, written 23 years ago, as part of her law course and rejects any assertion to the contrary. She is incredibly proud of her degree and the integrity of her Alma Mater, the University of Malta.”

“This is a question that has already been asked and answered 23 years ago when her thesis was examined by a panel of academics and legal experts, who was the body competent to decide on whether the thesis reached the necessary standards. They examined it in detail and concluded that the thesis did in fact match the standards needed for the degree.”

“As context, it is clear that the person making these claims is confusing, deliberately or mistakenly, the University of Malta’s law degree and a PhD.”

“In Malta, like other countries, a degree in law (LL.D as it was known) is considered as a legacy doctoral degree. The degree is the equivalent to a EQF level 7 on the European Qualifications Framework, not a level 8 like a PhD.”

“Every person who has ever graduated with this LL.D degree in Malta is granted the title of ‘Dr.’ and is referred to as such. This is a similar situation with law graduates in other EU countries and this is the case with every lawyer in Malta, including the Prime Minister and leader of the Malta Labour Party.”

Should lawyers continue calling themselves doctors?