The European People’s Party group chairman has thrown his weight behind Simon Busuttil, saying he had “what it takes to return the Nationalist Party back to Government”.

Joseph Daul said he had no doubt in his mind that Dr Busuttil, with whom he had worked closely, is a “European statesman in the making”.

He sent his wishes to outgoing Nationalist Party leader Lawrence Gonzi, who, he said, “deserves our praise and admiration for his unstinting efforts to create jobs in Malta and this in an environment of fiscal restraint.”

The Commission forecasts suggest an economic growth of 1.5 per cent for Malta, which is the second highest growth forecast in the euro-zone, he said. With unemployment at six per cent and the deficit at 2.3 per cent of GDP, Mr Daul described Malta as a high-flyer.

“And this is largely thanks to Lawrence Gonzi’s work as Prime Minister.”