The Nationalist Party this evening officially dissolved the Forza Nazzjonali, the coalition it had struck with Partit Demokratiku for the 3 June General Election, the party said in a statement this evening.

The party's executive committee this evening approved a motion to such an effect moved by PN Secretary General Clyde Puli.  The motion was seconded by all officials and members of the party's administrative committee.

The PN said in a statement that, "Since in the June 2017 General Election the Forza Nazzjonali did not win the majority needed to form a government as intended; we declare that the coalition is now dissolved and that all forms of cooperation with representatives of the Partit Demokratiku will be undertaken on a case-by-case basis."

Partit Demokratiku, Malta's Third Party, will 'continue to bear the banner of justice, independence and good governance'

In a statement after the PN's announcement, Partit Demokratiku reaffirmed its own prior statement by Marlene Farrugia upon Adrian Delia's election, as well as the statement by current leader Anthony Buttigieg, that the coalition no longer stands. Partit Demokratiku's uncompromising vision is for a Malta with strong institutions and run to the highest possible standards, free of tribalism. Partit Demokratiku remains loyal to the dream championed by those men and women of clean conscience who wanted to put the interests of our citizens and our country before bipartisan politics. Partit Demokratiku will continue to grow on the ticket of good governance, the need for which is felt more now, than ever.

Partit Demokratiku, recognised as a distinct Democratic Opposition in Parliament by the Speaker, will work on a case by case basis in Parliament wherever it is in the genuine interest of the people of Malta and Gozo, and shall continue to prove the desperate need for the Third Party in our country.

PD said it continues to welcome the disillusioned political refugees who have been failed by the parties forming the status quo and who, like the Partit Demokratiku and its MPs, do not recognise Adrian Delia as the Leader of the Opposition. The ideals of Forza Nazzjonali shall live on in PD, as they have since Delia's election.

Partit Demokratiku, Malta's Third Party, shall continue to bear the banner of justice, independence and good governance, in the fashion of David vs Goliath, it said.

Labour reaction

The end of the coalition will lead to more confusion than when the two parties were together under one banner, as they did in the last election, the Labour Party said.

The opposition is now more divided than ever, and confirm that the Nationalist Party does not have the credentials with which to lead the country.