Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech will not seek re-election

Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech has announced that he will not seek re-election to Parliament.

However, he will continue to serve as a consultant to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat if Labour wins the next election.

Making his announcement during a political activity in Iklin, Grech said that his decision one was a tough one but one he felt he had to make due to personal reasons.

“It was a privilege to form part of such a formidable Cabinet and parliamentary group,” he said. “In life, you realize when the time has come to take certain decisions and when to close off chapters in your life, even if it is a chapter that was so integral to your entire life.”

Joseph Muscat said that he had known of Grech’s decision for several months and described the announcement was an emotional decision for him.

“The country still needs Louis Grech and I am glad that he accepted to serve as my consultant during Cabinet meetings,” he said. “His input is crucial and he has a lot left to give us.”