Opposition Leader Bernard Grech said that medical intervention on a woman in case of difficulties in pregnancy has already been happening for several years in the country, and that the amendments on the abortion law is too quick and will allow abortion in Malta.

Grech spoke in an interview with NET News, saying that the PN is against the law government wants to bring into the country, as it is the introduction to abortion in Malta.

He said that a cross section of 81 medical, ethical, and technical academics and experts are also opposing the proposed amendments, and that a petition is going round which disapproves this law.

Grech said government would do well to listen to experts as Abela does not seem to be convinced of what he is doing, as he is not admitting that the amendments would indeed introduce abortion.

“Abela has no principles and only wants to increase votes and his majority,” Grech said, accusing Abela of lying in previous interviews, where he expressed his position against abortion.

Grech was asked about the PN’s position against the nominated person for the role of Standards Commissioner, which Abela is nominating himself.

“The Commissioner for Standards cannot be the person Abela nominated as you cannot trust Abela,” Grech said.

The nominee in question is former Chief Justice Joseph Azzopardi.

He accused Abela of wanting to do whatever he wishes, and questioned why Abela did not present the motion in parliament to approve of the nominated person for the role of Ombudsman, which the PN approved of.

“Abela has no respect for the institutions, but wants to control and preside over them,” Grech said.

Grech spoke about government ministers who have seriously failed to address many issues and recent scandals.

Grech mentioned that Culture Minister Owen Bonnici failed to properly address the sexual assault case in the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, and Transport Minister Aaron Farrugia showed a lack of respect for parliament when he failed to show up to a parliamentary sitting after a case of Transport Malta officials physically assaulting a man.

Grech said that ministers are failing to hold themselves accountable for their shortcomings, never taking action and always finding a scapegoat. Meanwhile, Abela presides over everything, he said.

“The PN does not call for the resignations of Ministers for nothing, but for them to bear responsibility,” Grech said.

Grech spoke about the tragic murder of Bernice Cassar, who was shot dead last week in Paola. She had filed several domestic abuse reports against the lead suspect, and also her husband Roderick Cassar.

“We have a situation where the country has failed the women in it. This is an issue for the entire country,” Grech said. He added that women are not an object for a possession of a man, but they deserve dignity and respect.

Grech said politicians have an obligation to see to it that the institutions are running well, accusing government of spending millions on persons of trust and advertising for the metro, instead of investing on more magistrates to oversee a huge backlog of domestic violence cases.

The PN’s document for its General Council, titled ‘Politika ta’ Fiduċja u Tama’, will address politics as a noble but necessary profession, Grech said.

He said that the country needs politicians who are there for the people and to make the country better, and not to look out for their own interests. Grech said that due to certain politicians’ actions, politics has distanced itself from the people.