Alleanza Nazzjonali Repubblikana (ANR) has praised the government for its stance on the issue of divorce, especially against the EU’s attempt to force the issue.

In a statement, ANR pointed out that a government’s first duty is the protection of its society and “as long as the absolute majority of the Maltese public do not want the legalisation of divorce then it is the government’s duty to make sure that it is not introduced, especially through undemocratic means”.

It added that it hoped the government will apply the same zeal in defending Maltese society from other threatening issues.

ANR said the accusations made by the Green Party (Alternattiva Demokratika), that the government acted out of “partisan interests”, ring hollow because it can be equally argued that AD is trying to capitalise “on the votes of separated individuals rather than working for the interests of the common good”.

It pointed out that divorce is not a human right, but a

privilege.

Furthermore, it said, many couples are taking marriage lightly and it called on the civil authorities to promote education on marriage.

“The growing number of broken families is partly due to ignorance in respect of duty, responsibility, sacrifices and obligations,” said ANR.