The PN rebel MPs described the calling of a general council as “another step forward for the PN to choose a new leader”.
The statement comes the day after yet another marathon meeting within the PN’s executive committee, where a way forward was thrashed out.
The compromise reached sees the General Council have a choice, to decide whether the PN's tesserati (paid members) should, in a National Convention, elect a leader of the party, or vote to simply confirm current leader Adrian Delia.
“The decision taken by the Executive Committee last night was another important decision through which the Nationalist Party can come out from the ugly and difficult period that is has found itself in, and then have an election for a new leader by the end of summer”, the rebel group said.
They said that now that the General Council will meet on 31 July and 1 August, every councillor has the chance to choose the way forward for the party, describing the two choices as having an open contest for the post of leader of the party, or “a race where Adrian Delia races by himself.
Read more: If the General Council votes for a leadership race, Delia will contest
They said that they have every faith in the councillors to make the decision which is sorely needed now: a decision to favour an open contest which will result in the PN being renewed and ready for the electoral test which follows.
“We understand that it is not an easy decision, but it is the decision which is needed in the interest of both the party and country”, they said.
They said that this is an historic moment for the PN; a moment where together a new page can be started, a page which will put the PN where it deserves, as a credible, organised, and unified party which can attract the popular support of the Maltese and Gozitan people.