Prime Minister: Gonzi was ‘best orator’ in the House for years

"You were a strong opponent and at times I found myself wondering where I'd be able to have the same dialectic as yours. You were always a strong opponent and ready to fight politically. At the same time, you always knew where to draw the line and for that I thank you," Prime Minister Joseph Muscat told Lawrence Gonzi.

He commented that while one would have thought it was difficult for someone to praise his opponent, in today's case "it was very easy". He lauded Gonzi for the "unconditional service" he gave to the country, admitting he learnt a lot from him.

Muscat also praised the former Nationalist prime minister for his work with the disabled and acknowledged the societal change Gonzi had brought about in increasing solidarity with the weak.

On his part, Gonzi's successor and Opposition leader Simon Busuttil described Gonzi's stepping down as marking "the end of an era".

"Lawrence Gonzi to me means seriousness, total dedication and his unconditional trust in the Maltese and Gozitans. He is not only a politician but also a statesman," Busuttil said.

Like Muscat, Busuttil praised Gonzi's work in social solidarity and how he had managed to change the way the society looked at persons with disability. He lauded him for having always remained true to his principles.

Regarded as one of the milestones in Gonzi's political career, Busuttil said he could never forget the trying times which Gonzi had to face during the Libya crisis, taking the difficult decisions while facing threats of the Gaddafi regime.