08/10/2025 President
“Our parliaments are not just places where laws are made — they are where democracy breathes. They give voice to disagreement, ensure transparency, and uphold the bond of trust between citizens and the state,” said PACE President Theodoros Rousopoulos, addressing the Maltese Parliament on 6 October.
He deplored the “democratic fatigue across Europe” and threats to the European Convention on Human Rights, pointing out that the Convention was the safeguard that was keeping Europe on the path of humanism. “Those who speak of leaving the Convention, in truth, speak of leaving Europe itself,” he said.
He underlined that Malta joined the Council of Europe in 1965, in the belief that sovereignty and solidarity can coexist. “Sixty years later, that belief is more essential than ever”, he said. “The challenges we face – from war and disinformation to technological disruption – are not reasons to retreat, but to cooperate,” PACE President concluded.
During his working visit, PACE President held meetings with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Maltese delegation to PACE. On 9 October, he will address the 10th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth in Valletta.
