AD says it ‘remains against abortion’ as candidates clash

● Abortion a ‘red line’- Cassola

Alternattiva Demokratiku seems to be facing some internal debate on the abortion issue, with party stalwart and former leader Arnold Cassola demanding that the party declares itself against abortion in the wake of another of the party’s MEP candidates, Mina Tolu, calling for a “respectful debate”.

In a statement yesterday, AD clarified that its position on abortion has remained the same as it always has been – against.

The party added: “At the same time, AD believes in the need for a respectful debate worthy of a democratic society as MEP candidate Mino Tolu said in her comment.”

Cassola had also earlier disassociated himself from the pro-choice position taken by AD fellow EP candidate Mina Tolu.

In a letter to the AD secretary-general on Friday, Cassola who, like Tolu, will be contesting the EP election in May on AD’s ticket, said that he had clearly said abortion was a ‘red line’ for him and that he had been given assurances that AD will not adhere to the idea of legalising abortion.

He has asked the party to issue a statement disassociating itself from the position taken by Mina Tolu.

Cassola said in his letter: “I agree with her that it is shocking to read certain threats and hateful comments against people who have a different opinion from mine, and are instead in favour of abortion.

“However, whilst respectful of Mina’s beliefs, I maintain that it is certainly not the task of Alternattiva Demokratika to bring up this topic for discussion, also because there is no democratic mandate from AD’s members to do so.

“I had already told Carmel [Cacopardo – AD’s current chairperson] this in September 2017 when he was elected Chairperson of Alternattiva Demokratika and brought up the issue himself.

“When, in November 2018, I was accepted as an MEP candidate by Alternattiva Demokratika, I had clearly put this issue as one of my red lines.

“You had given me your assurance that AD does not adhere to the idea of legalizing abortion.

“Mina’s declaration today, though certainly well meaning, is just contributing to creating confusion and ambiguity amongst the Maltese electorate.

“I reiterate that I am totally against abortion except in the case where the mother’s health and life are in danger. Call me old fashioned, ‘ dejjaq’ or what not but, as demonstrated in the last national elections, I am not prepared to give up my basic principles and values in order to be popular or get votes.”

Cassola asked AD to immediately issue a statement “disassociating itself from Mina’s personal opinion and clearly and unequivocally stating that it is against abortion”, which the party did.