If I had to choose to participate in politics today, «it would be to fight for a less divided society, where intolerance is not the dish of the day and where having a different opinion is not synonymous with hatred», says European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
Metsola, who was the first Maltese woman to be elected as a Member of the European Parliament, says that talking to young people about their aspirations and concerns is a crucial part of her role and that she tries to listen to them in every country she visits. «It is my responsibility, as well as that of my colleagues, to ensure that there are enough candidates who can channel the anger and frustration into convincing them to go to the polls», she admits.
In this episode of «It's not that simple», the youngest-ever woman to serve as President of the European Parliament stresses the need to end the perception that «Brussels is too distant», countering the idea that the citizens of the various member states do not «feel» an identification with European political institutions.«The ability to listen is the personality trait a politician should have», explains Roberta Metsola. «Politicians don't do it very often.»
The President of the European Parliament also talks to José Maria Pimentel about her mandate and the many crises that the European Union has faced during this period, in a highly stimulating conversation.
Roberta Metsola’s State of Europe Speech - 9th November 2023
Roberta Metsola debating the “Future of Europe” with Paulo Rangel and Guy Verhofstadt
Roberta Metsola’s speech at the World Leaders Forum at Columbia University - 18th September 2023
Big issues, big names in a new programme dedicated to interviews with international personalities from the world of politics, economics and society. These conversations with special guests, conducted by journalist Pedro Pinto, aim to simplify and help demystify some of today's most important issues. Every month, on the Foundation's website.