Prime Minister Robert Abela on Thursday ruled out an early election, and would not speculate on rumours regarding a possible Cabinet reshuffle given the recent co-option of Miriam Dalli and Clyde Caruana as MPs.

Speaking on TVM’s Xtra, Abela said it would be contradictory for him to opt for a general election while there is a pandemic, given that he had criticised the Nationalist Party for holding an election for a new leader earlier this month.

“I find no reason why we should go for an early election… it would be irresponsible to go for an election in the middle of a pandemic and likewise it would be irresponsible to do so in the middle of a recovery,” Abela said.

The general election will be held at a time considered to be in “the national interest”, he said.

The general election is due at the latest by September 2022.

Asked about growing speculation that a reshuffle is imminent, Abela was reluctant to comment.

He insisted that what was being said is pure speculation. But then he added: “We have the luxury of choice.”