[attach id=241289 size="medium"]Prime Minister Joseph Muscat shaking Lawrence Gonzi’s hand outside the Palace yesterday. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli[/attach]

Nationalist Party leader Lawrence Gonzi will take on the role of Opposition leader until the party elects a new head in the next three months, President George Abela was informed yesterday.

Dr Gonzi and Prime Minister Joseph Muscat met Dr Abela together – in the first such meeting of its kind – where they discussed this and other matters, including the transition and handover.

Dr Muscat said it was a very cordial meeting where the serene and tranquil transition was reviewed, and he thanked Dr Gonzi for his sterling work.

He said the meeting between the two in the presence of the President sent the message that “this is a normal country”.

He confirmed that they had discussed the date Parliament would reconvene but did not elaborate. On Monday, Dr Muscat said he was considering reconvening Parliament after Easter.

Asked whether they had spoken about who would assume the role of Speaker, Dr Muscat said it was not prudent to comment at this stage.

In an interview on Monday evening, Dr Muscat did not comment when asked whether he was considering appointing former Labour deputy leader Anġlu Farrugia to the post.

On his part, Dr Gonzi said he gave Dr Muscat his word that the Opposition would fully cooperate to ensure the Budget 2013 was approved as soon as possible.

Dr Abela praised the two leaders for showing political maturity

He said he was going to start a process within the PN for a new leader to be selected and confirmed he would take on the role of Leader of the Opposition in the meantime.

Dr Abela praised the two leaders for showing political maturity, especially in their comments when conceding and accepting the electoral victory.

Dr Abela also praised the media for their work as well as the Armed Forces of Malta and the police for their input and the public for not misbehaving.