The Nationalist Party said that nominations such as that of Toni Abela to the European Court of Auditors, should be based on meritocracy rather than the political patronage.

This newsroom sent the following question to a PN spokesman: ‘does the PN support Toni Abela's nomination to the European Court of Auditors?’

The reply was not a direct answer but it is clear that the PN is not in favour. “The choice of Malta’s nominee for the Court of Auditors is something that was decided upon by the Government alone. Had the Opposition been consulted, we would have gladly worked with the Government to help select the best possible candidate in the most transparent way. We believe that such important and sensitive positions should be based on meritocracy rather than the political patronage that has become the hallmark of Joseph Muscat’s appointments”.

This answer also makes clear that no consultation took place with the Opposition, and could be seen as the PN questioning the transparency of the nomination.