The group chairman of the EPP has endorsed Simon Busuttil for the leadership of the Nationalist Party, saying in a statement this morning that he “has what it takes to return the Nationalist Party back to Government”.

Joseph Daul sent his wishes to outgoing PN leader Lawrence Gonzi, who “deserves our praise and admiration for his unstinting efforts to create jobs in Malta and this in an environment of fiscal restraint.”

Mr Daul said:

“The Commission forecasts suggest an economic growth of 1.5% for Malta which is the second highest growth forecast in the euro-area.  

“With unemployment at six per cent and the deficit at 2.3 per cent of GDP, I can only say that Malta is a high-flyer. And this is largely thanks to Lawrence Gonzi's work as Prime Minister.”
He said that he had no doubt in his mind that Dr Busuttil, with whom he had worked closely “is a European statesman in the making”.