Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca is remaining mum about her impending appointment as Head of State after being asked about the matter following yesterday’s Cabinet meeting.

Exiting from the side door of Auberge de Castille in what seemed to be an attempt to avoid journalists, she said such matters were the Prime Minister’s prerogative.

It’s the Prime Minister’s prerogative

Ms Coleiro Preca did not reply to questions about reports that she was not keen to become the next president, saying only that the media had a right to ask.

“It is the Prime Minister’s prerogative,” she repeated to every question without denying or confirming that she was offered the post and accepted it.

The Sunday Times of Malta reported that Ms Coleiro Preca, 55, was the frontrunner to become the next president.

Although the Prime Minister’s shortlist included two other senior Cabinet members, he was known to favour a woman candidate.

Dr Muscat held initial consultations about the appointment with Ms Coleiro Preca early last week.

Ms Coleiro Preca has been an MP since 1998 and in the last election won the highest number of Labour votes after Dr Muscat.

Her appointment has caught many Labour sympathisers, including MPs, by surprise since she is believed to be an asset to the Cabinet, especially in the role of Social Solidarity Minister.

If the nomination goes ahead, she will be the youngest president and only the second woman to occupy the post.