The government has dropped a proposed law which would have made MPs eligible for a pension after serving just one legislature.

In a statement, the government said the proposed law was meant to correct anomalies in pensions for MPs, but, 'out of the blue'  the PN withdrew its support.

It said the amendments did not propose an increase in pensions or give new privileges to MPs. It only gave the opportunity for MPs who served in Parliament for one term to be given an MP pension.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Adrian Delia said that the Opposition had sought a suspension of the plans for the law, as it felt the people's needs came first.

"We are here to serve. I have heard what the people have to say, and our priority is the people's pensions." 

He said the decision had been taken after a meeting of the PN parliamentary group. 

Anthony Buttigieg, leader of the Democratic Party, welcomed the development.

"This is a victory of common sense and fairness over avarice. It took a small party to embarrass the rest of parliament into making this move," he said in a Facebook post.

READ: Drop plans to upgrade your pensions, petition urges MPs