Cyrus Engerer Says Conrad Borg Manché’s Views Risk Taking PN “Back To 2014” On LGBTIQ+ Rights

Former MEP Cyrus Engerer has strongly criticised comments made by PN figure Conrad Borg Manché, warning they risk pushing the Nationalist Party backwards on LGBTIQ rights and equality.

In a social media reaction to a recent interview, Engerer said he read Borg Manché’s remarks “in horror”, arguing that they reflected a misunderstanding of the realities still faced by LGBTIQ people in Malta.

“Yes, on paper, and thanks to years of struggle and our hard work, we have moved towards equality. In practice we are still far from equal,” Engerer said, adding that failing to recognise the discrimination and bullying faced by members of the community remains a serious issue.

However, Engerer also acknowledged points where he agreed with Borg Manché, particularly regarding his opposition to the proposed fuel station in Gżira and his activism in favour of protecting Manoel Island.

He said he understood how challenging powerful business interests can lead to political isolation, noting that both major parties receive donations from developers and large businesses.

Despite this, Engerer argued that Borg Manché’s comments on LGBTIQ issues could undermine years of work carried out within the PN to modernise its position on equality and civil liberties.

He pointed to politicians including Claudette Buttigieg and Graziella Attard Previ, as well as Jamie Vella and Alexander Mangion, saying their efforts helped shape what he described as the PN’s strongest-ever commitments towards the LGBTIQ community in this year’s election manifesto.

Engerer went on to argue that the PN now faces a crossroads, choosing between continuing along the path of centre-right European parties that support civil liberties and equality, or moving closer to more conservative political currents within Europe.

“The PN now has a choice to make,” Engerer said. “It either continues down that road, or it drifts towards the ECR.”

His comments come amid ongoing discussions within the PN about the party’s future direction following recent electoral setbacks and broader debates on social policy and human rights.

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Gabriel Falzon

Gabriel Falzon is a social media executive at Lovin Malta, with a keen interest in digital media, local businesses, and the natural world. Outside of work, you’ll often find him baking up a storm, diving into video games, or exploring the endless corners of YouTube.