Nationalist Party leader sworn in as member of parliament

Nationalist Party leader Adrian Delia is a member of parliament after being sworn in this evening, following the resignation from the House of Peter Micallef. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat passed a motion for Delia’s co-option.

Micallef was elected yesterday in a causal election on the seventh district, held after the resignation of Jean-Pierre Debono.

In a short statement by Delia after taking his oath, he thanked Speaker Anglu Farrugia and Prime Minister Joseph Muscat for facilitating his co-option.

Delia also thanked outgoing Opposition leader Simon Busuttil, as well as Micallef and Debono, whose resignations, he said, were in the interest of the country’s democracy.

Finally, he thanked his wife and family for their support, without which it would not have been possible for him to “humbly serve the country”.

On his part, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat welcomed Delia to parliament, adding that he hoped the two side of the House could engage in healthy and constructive debates that would serve the interests of the country.

Delia was elected party leader last month, following the resignation of former leader Simon Busuttil.