George Vella approved as Malta's next President

George Vella was on Tuesday approved as Malta's next President during a parliamentary sitting that was boycotted by the Democratic Party. All those present for the sitting voted in favour of the nomination. The former foreign minister, who also served as deputy leader of the Labour Party was nominated to replace Marie Louise Coleiro Preca by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, who stated that few politicians could boast of as long and as distinguished a record of service as Dr Vella. "He was there to serve people," he added, attributing Dr Vella's care for workers and patients to his upbringing. Dr Muscat added that Dr Vella was one of very few politicians to have refused power. Dr Vella had been thrust into the spotlight by Labour Party leader Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici, who had touted him as his successor, a role which Dr Vella had not pursued. Opposition leader Adrian Delia noted that the government had not taken the Opposition's suggestion to nominate somebody from outside the Labour Party, at a time when national unity was needed. Aside from the respect enjoyed by Dr Vella, there was the need for somebody who enjoyed the unanimous support of the House to accede to the Presidency. Dr...