[WATCH] ‘Coleiro Preca will be our point of reference’ – Muscat

Marie Louise Coleiro Preca's nomination as President was today officialised by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat who this evening described the appointment as "historic" and "one step closer to the birth of the second Republic."

Stressing that Coleiro Preca was chosen because the next President "needs to have a lot of energy," Muscat said that the current family minister will be the country's "social soul."

Prime Minister officially announces Marie Louise's nomination for President

Underlining Coleiro Preca's energy, Muscat said that the new President, who at 55 will be the youngest Head of State, "has a lot to offer to the country."

Despite acknowledging that the president's powers are limited, Muscat said Coleiro Preca's presidency "will not be ceremonial." He added that she would be given new social responsibilities and give the presidency a "new purpose."

He said the new presidency will be provided with more resources and tools, adding that "Coleiro Preca will be the government's point of reference and I am sure she will not shy away from publicly drawing our attention and she will also be the country's point of reference."

Addressing the press at Castile, Coleiro Preca said that although she never aspired to become President, she was prepared to serve the people "as I have always done throughout my carreer."

Muscat added that Coleiro Preca's energy will be greatly needed in the next five years given that Malta will be celebrating historic anniversaries, hold the EU presidency in 2017 and carrying out a Constitutional reform.

Moreover, Muscat said, Coleiro Preca will continue and build upon the sterling work of outgoing President George Abela.

Admitting that appointing Coleiro Preca as president would be a loss for his government, Muscat said that she will be at the forefront of the country's strategy to eradicate poverty.

Muscat also pointed out that appointing a woman as Head of state sent out "a strong message of change."

On Saturday, MaltaToday revealed that Social Policy Minister Marie Louise Coleiro Preca accepted a nomination by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, to be the ninth President of the Republic of Malta.

She will be the second female president and the sixth nominee emerging from the Labour Party since Malta became a Republic in 1974. Muscat had decided on Coleiro Preca back in December of last year.

Coleiro Preca was initially reluctant to resign from her post as Social Policy Minister. Many of her political canvassers have expressed dismay at the decision.

Earlier today, Muscat held a meeting with opposition leader Simon Busuttil who said that he was not consulted about Coleiro Preca's nomination but was presented with a fait accompli.

In a statement issued this evening, the PN said "it's a pity that even on issues which demand national consensus, the prime minister Joseph Muscat persists with his political games."

While congratulating Coleiro Preca on her nomination, The opposition added that it would be taking an official stand over the appointment during a Parliamentary group meeting to be held in the coming days.

@JosephMuscat_JM to nominate MLCP as #Malta #President. Opposition not consulted but informed of decision. @PNmalta to discuss in Parl Group

— Simon Busuttil (@SimonBusuttil) March 4, 2014

The decision is expected to be criticised by the Nationalist Party, who will take umbrage at the choice of a Labour personality.

There may also references to Coleiro Preca's political background, when she started off as secretary general of the Labour party in the turbulent 80s. However Coleiro holds the highest rating for all ministers in the Muscat Cabinet, and is even more popular than Muscat himself. She is also highly respected by Nationalist voters.

Labour Party insiders are expected to assess her choice as an attempt by Muscat to position the party more to the centre. Yet sources in Castille have told MaltaToday that Muscat's decision was driven by his obsession choosing a woman for the post, and someone who has a sincere appreciation of social issues.

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