“I stand for Maltese values” - Roberta Metsola

“The European Parliament resolution provides the framework for future action by the Governments of Malta and Slovakia to strengthen the rule of law in the Member States and to ensure that the pillars of European democracy remain strong. This should not be controversial,” said MEP Roberta Metsola.

The resolution debated in the European Parliament today contains a number of recommendations made to the Governments of Malta and Slovakia, after the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia and Ján Kuciak.  It calls for action to be taken to tackle corruption, money-laundering, protect media freedom and constitutional changes that must be made to ensure that Malta’s systems become stronger and impervious to abuse - including the division of the role of the Attorney General.

Significantly, the resolution calls for an immediate public inquiry into the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia and calls for action to apprehend the masterminds behind her killing.

“The resolution protects Maltese values. It protects European values. In Malta we know only too well that it is the size of idea and depth of our integrity that has always marked us out. As a representative of the Maltese people, I promote our values - that what us proud to be Maltese - always and everywhere. This resolution is based on the same values we hold dear and provides a clear framework of what needs to be done and how things should be done,” said MEP Metsola.

“Joining the EU meant the people of Malta and Gozo faced down the doomsday scenarios of individuals, who ironically now find themselves in this very room, because we knew then as we know now that we are Maltese, we are Gozitan and we are European. For doing that, the Government and their representatives spend their time calling me a traitor at their rallies, but the only betrayal here would be to remain silent or defend the indefensible when all we have ever stood for is under siege. 

It is not always easy to fly your nation’s flag even when those in power and their propaganda machines are the ones blowing the wind against it. But I am in politics because I stand up for what I believe in. And as long as I am here I will stand up for our values,” said MEP Metsola.