VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Bernard Grech’s resignation as leader of Malta’s Nationalist Party (PN) has sparked speculation about who will take the helm, with increasing pressure on European Parliament President Roberta Metsola to step into the role.
While PN MPs expressed gratitude to Grech for his leadership, attention quickly shifted to potential successors. Former PN president for political research, Mary Anne Lauri, was among the first to publicly question whether Metsola would leave her prestigious European post to contest the leadership.
European outlet Politico reported that several PN officials believe Metsola will face mounting pressure to return to local politics, as she is seen as a unifying figure across the party’s factions.
Metsola has remained silent on her intentions, offering only a message of thanks to Grech for his dedication and friendship.
Grech confirmed he did not consult Metsola before his resignation, emphasizing that the party’s next leader is a decision for its members.
Metsola has long been viewed as a potential leader, particularly after consistently outperforming Grech in trust ratings.
Grech’s decision follows poor polling results that showed the PN lagging far behind the Labour Party, with his personal trust ratings at a worrying low.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS)
