The Nationalist Party will fight to safeguard the right of the unborn child while questioning the government’s intention on abortion, Opposition leader Adrian Delia said on Sunday.
Speaking at the PN club in Msida he said: “Our position is crystal clear. We are in favour of life from conception till natural death and if nobody will safeguard life the PN will,” he remarked.
During his speech, Dr Delia outlined the party’s vision on pensions, women’s rights, the fight against crime, poverty and the lowering of the voting age to 16 years.
His tough words on abortion came just a day after the Women’s Rights Foundation called for the decriminalisation of certain instances of abortion in Malta.
The PN leader expressed concern that a domestic violence Bill being debated in parliament sent mixed messages.
On one hand it safeguards women from violence, but at the same time it is stripping the protection of unborn child, he pointed out.
“If violence against women is bad, murder is worse,” Dr Delia said.
“The government wants to safeguard women but not the unborn,” he added.
The PN leader urged Prime Minister Joseph Muscat to state the government’s position on abortion. He warned that failure by the government to defend the right of the unborn child, would mean that the PN would take up this battle.
Criminality
Dr Delia expressed concern that residents, especially the elderly were increasingly worried about crime. He blamed the government for lack of investment in the police force saying, that investment per capita on each officer during an entire year was of just €8.
He also referred to a visit he paid to the Msida station prior to the political activity saying one one officer was present.
A PN government would ensure that the force would regain its respect and dignity, he said.
‘Poverty surplus’
While saluting anti-poverty campaigner Charles Miceli, who passed away on Friday, Dr Delia noted that the poor in the last two years these had increased from 81,000 to 85,000.
“The economy is doing well, we never had it so good. How come we are not looking after the most vulnerable? It is not a question of financial means, as we have plenty,” he remarked.
“This is happening under the watch of a Socialist government. The PN will commit itself as from today to reach out to those in need and look into the reasons for the rise in poverty,” he added.
50,000 foreigners in the next five years
Dr Delia expressed concern that property prices had soared dramatically especially rent rates which, he said, increased by almost 50 per cent in just five years.
“Each year, 10,000 workers are coming to Malta. These are not only those who pay €3,000 a month but also those who share one apartment among six people,” he noted.
“In the last five years 50,000 workers came to Malta, and another 50,000 will do the same in the next five years. An influx of 100,000 foreigners and the government is staying put,” he said.