Nationalist Party Leader Simon Busuttil said that the Prime Minister should not have insisted with Leo Brincat's nomination to sit at the European Court of Auditors. In comments to The Malta Independent, the Opposition Leader said that although the final word always rested with the European Council, Joseph Muscat should have avoided any friction with the European Parliament.

He said that any possible conflict with the European Parliament should be avoided, especially as Malta will soon be hosting the EU Presidency.

"It is very immature to start off the Presidency with Keith Schembri and Konrad Mizzi weighing around his neck," he added.

The PN Leader said that Joseph Muscat created useless confrontation with the European Institutions.

Dr Busuttil was speaking to journalist following a visit to the MCAST campus in Paola.

He was also asked about the latest statement by the Prime Minister, when during a similar visit, had said that he sees no conflict of interest in having Keith Schembri's company bid for a $100 million investment.

"In a way, this declaration does not surprise me, especially after the Prime Minister's reaction after the whole Panama debacle," he said.

Mr Brincat was approved in his new role on Thursday by the European Council of Ministers, which overturned the negative result at the European Parliament.