Malta’s new president, Myriam Spiteri Debono, expressed that a referendum would be the fairest method to address the controversial issue of abortion.
Although personally against abortion, she refrained from speculating on signing an abortion law if presented to her. In her interview with Times of Malta, she highlighted the inevitability of abortion becoming legal in Malta, given trends in other countries and evolving societal views, particularly among the youth.
President Spiteri Debono emphasized the importance of transparency in introducing such a significant change, advocating against its inclusion in electoral manifestos without prior public consultation.
Notably, Malta has the strictest anti-abortion laws in the EU. An attempt to amend the law last year to permit abortion under specific circumstances faced opposition.
Regarding her role, President Spiteri Debono affirmed her commitment to conscientious decision-making without pre-committing to specific legislative actions. She acknowledged her duty to uphold the law while respecting her personal beliefs, emphasizing the need for careful consideration on future laws, including potential abortion legislation.
While the president lacks executive powers to alter legislation, her remarks underscored the complex and sensitive nature of the abortion debate in Malta, highlighting the role of public opinion through referendums in shaping such policy changes.
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