The wave of euphoria that accompanied here in Malta the election of Roberta Metsola to the presidency of the European Parliament lasted but one day, and not even that.

On news services around the world and even in respected papers like Le Monde she was tagged as ‘anti-abortionist’. That, as it seems happens whenever abortion is mentioned, sealed the matter.

The day after her election, here in Malta, notwithstanding the contradiction, she was labelled in far-Right social media as pro-free choice, pro-abortion.

It is more or less what has been Joe Biden’s fate ever since the day he became the Democrat candidate. The rampant far-Right media and associated social media tried their best to turn the presidential election into a one-issue battle putting the poor show by Donald Trump aside.

Biden is a practicing Catholic who goes to church on most Sundays but many bishops and cardinals wondered aloud whether he should be refused Communion. Ultimately they were held back by the Vatican and Pope Francis.

The far-Right in Malta never got that far, it is fair to say.

In the press conference held just after she was elected, Roberta Metsola explained her stand. She admitted she had voted against abortion as an MEP in the past but now as President her position would henceforth be whatever the Parliament decides. In other words she would not try to over-ride what would have already been decided at Strasbourg. Nor would she resign rather than sign any pro-abortion document, as some in Malta were urging her to do.

Having had four children it is clear she is not in favour of abortion as she juggles motherhood and career across at least two countries.

But as was made amply clear the next day when she hosted French President Macron there is a solid majority not just in the European Parliament but also across the EU in favour of abortion. Those whose ambition is to rise in the EU institutions must come to terms with this fact and their own conscience.

The vast majority that elected Metsola across party lines did so despite her personal stand against abortion. Doubtlessly this was on the back of prior assurances given to the groups.

So tenuous is the protection of the unborn child in today’s world. An unborn child is at risk in situations of poverty and neglect all over the world and at risk as well when parliaments decide to approve abortion.

There are moves in some states of the US to row back on the liberal legislation of the past years but until this happens the protection of the unborn child remains fragile and incomplete.

Angry to see restrictions go

I have not seen it happen in other countries. But when our government announced the easing of the Covid restrictions it caused a massive explosion of anger, especially among supporters of the government, I would say.

There were those incandescently angry because of the impacts of the restrictions on the activity of bars, restaurants etc.

Now these restrictions have been lifted actually a few hours/days before they were meant to come into effect. But the anger was still palpable, just as in summer the heat of the sun stays on in the wall well after sunset.

Then there was the anger on the part of those who have taken the booster when now they have come to the conclusion they need not have bothered. I fail to see the reasoning here.

Behind this argument one could perhaps detect a lack of faith in the efficacy of the booster or perhaps many stories of sudden deaths etc one keeps hearing about.

Then of course there was the anger amongst supporters of the Opposition but that is a daily given.

Three strands of anger united in scorn against Charmaine Gauci and Keith Fearne who has been hurt by stories of €130,000 packages to a key supporter.

All over the social media the government supporters vowed vengeance. We will see when the time comes.

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