Nationalist MEP Therese Comodini Cachia has decided to relinquish her seat in the local parliament and keep serving in the European Parliament.

"With deep regret but after careful consideration and discussion with my family, I have decided to relinquish the seat as a Member of the House of Representatives elected from the 8th district," she told The Malta Independent.

"This was a very short electoral campaign and people's support and the trust shown in me is overwhelming. I have continuously sought to reciprocate people's trust by addressing national priorities and people's concerns, both locally and within the European Parliament. This is what I intend to continue doing during the remaining part of my term as member of the European Parliament - strengthening the voice of each and every Maltese and Gozitan within the European Parliament."

Dr Comodini Cachia said that rebuilding Malta's reputation abroad remains a top priority for Malta. "I am committed to achieve the best possible results for Malta and to help to rebuild Malta's reputation. Likewise, as I was there to support the Nationalist Party at its lowest point, I will continue to be available to assist the party in rebuilding itself."

She thanked Simon Busuttil for his sacrifices and the determination shown throughout the past four years, Deputy Leaders Dr Mario de Marco and Dr Beppe Fenech Adami, and all the leadership team for their unconditional support to the party. 

With Dr Comodini Cachia's decision, PN candidates on the eighth district Norman Vella, David Thake and Justin Schembri could be elected. David Agius and Claudette Buttigieg, who contested on the same district, have already been elected on another district.