The University of Malta has launched an investigation into the serious allegations regarding the thesis of European Parliament President and Nationalist MEP Roberta Metsola. This follows claims made by a German media outlet, which reported that Metsola had plagiarised substantial portions of her thesis, completed back in 2003 to earn her law degree.

The investigative report uncovered that 188 parts of Metsola’s thesis were copied. According to Stefan Weber, nearly half of the thesis was found to be lifted directly from books and other sources, often without proper citation or acknowledgment. This raises concerns about academic integrity, especially given Metsola’s prominent political position today.

What is even more disheartening is how Metsola allegedly attempted to cover up this plagiarism by misquoting sources or not quoting at all, thus making it harder for others to detect the copied content. The thesis, which focused on electoral systems in various countries, some of which included Malta, has now become a point of contention.

In response to the allegations, the German outlet reached out to Metsola for comment. Her spokesperson, however, clarified that Metsola never completed a doctorate, implying that the thesis in question may not have been subject to the same rigorous standards as a doctoral dissertation.

Furthermore, the Bild report also includes a statement from Professor Alfred J. Vella, the Rector of the University of Malta. Professor Vella confirmed that the university would thoroughly examine the allegations, although the investigation is expected to take several weeks to conclude.

This scandal is particularly upsetting for students who are diligently working hard to achieve their academic goals with honesty and integrity. For many, the pursuit of higher education is a process that requires immense effort, dedication, and a commitment to upholding ethical standards. The discovery of such a high-profile case of academic dishonesty raises serious concerns about the message it sends to students who are striving to make an honest living in academia and beyond.

Deputy Leader and Labour MEP Alex Agius Saliba also weighed in on the situation, criticizing the report in Bild for its prominence and impact on the public’s perception of academic ethics. This scandal serves as a stark reminder that academic integrity must be taken seriously, regardless of one’s political stature or career trajectory.

As the investigation unfolds, the University of Malta’s decision on how to handle the matter will be closely watched by students, academics, and the wider public alike. The outcome will set an important precedent for how allegations of plagiarism are addressed at the highest levels of education.

Update, 11:00am: Roberta Metsola has denied allegations that her dissertation contained plagiarised material from other authors. Claims that “astonishing” plagiarism could be found on “nearly every page” of her thesis are still under investigation by the University of Malta.