11/12 parliamentary elections in the coming EU-member Croatia (1. July 2013) became a veritable success for the country’s Liberals!

ELDR member parties HNS (Hrvatska Narodna Stranka, Croatian People's Party) and IDS (Istarski Demokratski Sabor, Istrian Democratic Assembly) were both part of the winning four-party coalition Kukuriku Koalicija, and will be leading the negotiations for Croatian government.

The Irish government has announced the intention to draft a law which would allow abortion in specific cases, where the life of the woman is endangered.

LYMEC recognises it as a one step towards the full legalisation of abortion, and redefinition of the conservative interpretation of the conception of life and the imposed limitations of individual freedoms, primarily the freedom of choice.

LYMEC expresses sorrow that a life had to be lost, not only of Savita Halappanavar, the one that provoked the current move, but of many that have been hidden behind the preaching of pro-life agenda.

Ireland, unlike the rest of Europe, despite of being a signature state of Charter of Fundamental Rights, still treats abortion as a criminal act. Despite the fact that already in 1992, the Supreme Court ruled that abortion is not illegal in the cases of a real and substantial risk to a mother's life, as distinct from her health; the government has not enacted legislation to give certainty to doctors as to when terminations can be carried out and under what circumstances.

"State as an owner of individual body or free will is by no means acceptable in 21st century Europe, with the majority of states progressing far ahead in the areas of individual and citizens rights."

LYMEC therefore strongly advocates for a free and liberal Ireland and welcomes the small steps made in that direction" said Vedrana Gujic, LYMEC's Vice President.

Friday the 23rd of November the US Embassy in Ta' Qali kindly open its doors for a debate over LGBT and the media in Malta. As the only party present Alleanza Liberali felt very embarrassed over the absence of both other parties and the gay and lesbian communities in Malta except Gabi Calleja.

But the Ambassador, Ms. Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, honoured us by her presence during the whole meeting, and media-expert Mr. Charles Taylor managed to keep the interest alive in a very charming way with his power-point presentation.

Very few quotes from the meeting:

C.T.: "It gets better . . ." - how do the media response to gay rights?

G.C.: Quite OK, but in Maltese soaps there are very stereotypic gay characters. Rather chocking private comments in the newspapers on the net.

C.T.: It is not a big deal anymore for celebrities to come out.

H.J.: The entrance to the media is through the two dominating parties - and they are not really interested in LGBT rights.

:/ Hans-Jorgen Gotsche

International Secretary

Alleanza Liberali

(Photo shows Ambassador Abercrombie and Gabi Calleja at a former event - as we were not allowed to "shoot" inside the Embassy)