Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543022
2 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 4 FEBRUARY 2026 NEWS PN slams Robert Abela over 'U-turn' on Trump's peace board THE Nationalist Party has slammed Prime Minister Robert Abela for changing his stance on Malta joining US President Don- ald Trump's Board of Peace. "Following the significant in- ternal divisions [his] statement caused within the Labour Party, it appears that the Prime Min- ister has once again changed course," it said. The PN was referring to public comments made by Labour Party offi- cials against Malta joining the board. On Monday, when questioned by journalists, Abela said the board's format is "not ideal," but stated that change can be achieved by being at the table. The PN said on Tuesday a parliamentary debate must be held before the government takes any decision. "We still do not know how, when and by whom this invita- tion was made, nor what condi- tions are being imposed on our country as part of this invita- tion," it said. The PN said Malta needs "needs a Prime Minister who defends the interests" of the people, not one who "changes his position with every shifting wind." The PN also specified that Malta must remain a neutral state, actively working along- side the policies of non-align- ment in respect to internation- al law. JADE BEZZINA jbezzina@mediatoday.com.mt Abela was answering journalists' questions one week after he casually told parliament that Malta was "informally invited" to join Trump's Board of Peace Women's lobby calls for cross-party discussion abortion decriminalisation THE Malta Women's Lobby has called for a national, cross-par- ty discussion on decriminalising abortion, arguing criminal sanc- tions against women are neither humane nor effective and risk causing further harm. In a statement, the MWL said it recognises that many people in Malta hold deep convictions about protecting life. While acknowledging and re- specting those values, the lobby said it remains closely aware of the realities faced by women who find themselves in unexpected or crisis pregnancies, and of the distress and long-term consequences such situations can have on their lives. "For this reason, as a lobby, we advocate for compassion rather than throwing the first stone," the MWL said. The lobby stressed it is possible to be morally opposed to abortion and committed to protecting life, while also accepting that crimi- nal penalties for women are not an appropriate response once an abortion has occurred. It said this position does not require endors- ing abortion, but instead focuses on reducing harm and prioritising support and prevention in com- plex personal and healthcare sit- uations. The MWL referred to recent comments by Opposition leader Alex Borg, who suggested that the question of whether a woman should face imprisonment ought to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The lobby warned that re- lying on discretionary leniency could lead to unequal outcomes and uncertainty for women, fami- lies and professionals involved. It also cited remarks by Prime Minister Robert Abela, who sug- gested that harm could be reduced through measures such as con- ditional discharges or suspended sentences. While acknowledging imprisonment might be avoided under such approaches, the MWL said the prospect of criminal pro- ceedings itself can be deeply dis- tressing. "Court proceedings can bring fear, harm and lasting per- sonal consequences, particularly for women already navigating a difficult situation," the lobby said. Instead, the MWL called for a response centred on support rath- er than punishment, describing this as both more humane and more effective than criminal sanc- tions. It argued that laws cannot eliminate abortion and that fear of prosecution often drives women into secrecy, making it harder for them to seek timely medical ad- vice, counselling or aftercare. The lobby said support should be central, ensuring that anyone experiencing a medical emergen- cy related to a termination can seek hospital care immediately and without fear. It also called for compassionate, confidential and non-judgemental counselling to be available for those who need it. For these reasons, the MWL urged the creation of a broad, cross-party forum to discuss the decriminalisation of abortion in a respectful and transparent manner. Such a platform, it said, should bring together medical, legal, ethical and social expertise, with the aim of pursuing solutions that uphold human dignity and strengthen support for women and families. KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt