Busuttil enjoys EPP president’s ‘endorsement’ for PN leadership bid

The head of the European People's Party group in the European Parliament has described Simon Busuttil's decision to resign from the European Parliament as a loss for Brussels but a win for Malta and the Nationalist Party.

Joseph Daul, who is briefly in Malta and will be meeting Opposition leader Lawrence Gonzi tomorrow morning, this evening attended an activity organised by Busuttil as he met councillors at the PN's office in Naxxar.

The EPP president thanked Busuttil for his nine-year work within the European Parliament. "It is true that you were elected from a tiny country, but you sure made it a point to make your voice heard," Daul told Busuttil.

Daul said that together with Busuttil, he worked on difficult and sensitive subjects, despite it being a challenge to find consensuses in the European Parliament, with members coming from 27 different countries.

"But you worked effortlessly and dedicated your time for what you believed in. You were clear in your arguments and you managed to keep all EPP members in agreement on difficult subjects such as civil rights, justice and internal affairs," he said.

Daul lauded Busuttil as a "tough negotiator" while seeking the consent of his members in a constructive manner.

The EPP president said the group was missing Simon, but their loss was Malta's gain.

"With Simon, you can win a man of talent," he said.