President Coleiro Preca is 'seeking a second term'

Updated 1.35pm - Office of the President replies The President of Malta, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, is actively seeking a second spell in office after her five-year term expires in April 2019, The Sunday Times of Malta is reliably informed. Sources close to Ms Coleiro Preca’s office have told Times of Malta if this does not happen, she is not excluding a political comeback by contesting the MEP elections, scheduled for May 2019, on behalf of the Labour party. “The President is very eager to be given a second term, particularly as she is relatively young for her position,” a source within San Anton Palace said. “She will only be 60 this December and is the youngest-ever serving President of Malta. She cannot see herself retiring and has been lobbying with Dr Muscat for a second term.” A second term would only be possible, however, with an amendment to the Constitution, which would require a two-thirds parliamentary majority and therefore an agreement with the Opposition. It is regarded as unlikely that the Opposition would agree. However, the President’s office is viewing the possibility of a constitutional reform convention, proposed by the Prime Minister, as a window of...