Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, recently sat down for an interview with Euronews Correspondent Méabh Mc Mahon in Strasbourg to reflect on her two and a half years in office, the recent migration pact, and the importance of voter participation in the upcoming European elections.
During the interview, Metsola discussed her achievements during her tenure, highlighting the reforms and challenges faced by the European Parliament. She expressed pride in the passage of the migration pact, a long-awaited piece of legislation that addresses issues of solidarity, border security, and human rights in the context of migration.
The conversation also touched on recent corruption scandals involving MEPs, with Metsola emphasizing the need for accountability and reform within the institution. She acknowledged the challenges faced in addressing these issues but emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the European Parliament.
As the European elections approach, Metsola urged voters to participate in the democratic process, emphasizing the impact of their choices on issues such as climate change, social policies, and legislation like the Violence Against Women directive. She highlighted the role of MEPs as ambassadors for their countries and encouraged citizens to take advantage of the opportunity to shape the future of the European Union through their votes.
In closing, Metsola discussed her own political future, expressing her commitment to running for re-election in Malta and Gozo. She emphasized the importance of democratic elections both in Europe and around the world, underscoring the value of citizen engagement in shaping the direction of their governments.