Labour Party MEP Alex Agius Saliba has said that he will back his PN counterpart Roberta Metsola in her bid to become Malta’s first ever European Parliament President.

Agius Saliba said on social media that while he and Metsola had many political difference, he had promised her his cooperation and not interference for her candidacy for the prestigious post.

He augured that if Metsola is successful in her bid, she would use the position to work in favour of the best interests of all Maltese and Gozitans.

MEPs are vying over the Parliament's Presidency as David Sassoli's term soon comes to an end. Reports have read that Sassoli may seek a second term, but a number of MEPs have already thrown their hats into the ring.

Metsola, who comes from the EU Parliament's largest political group, the European People's Party (EPP) is now the latest to announce her intentions. First, the EPP will need to select its candidate, which is what Metsola will submit her name for. The EPP is expected to vote in an internal election on 24 November to select their single candidate for the post. Other parties could also have their own candidates vying for the position.

"This is an internal process, but I can confirm that I will be a candidate to be the EPP Group's nominee for President of the European Parliament. Over the next days, I will continue speaking to my colleagues about how they see the role of the Parliament in the second half of the legislature and how they want our institution to evolve," Metsola told The Malta Independent.

Metsola said: "I want to help get people in our Member States to believe in Europe - and the Parliament can support MEPs as we bring European decision-making closer to people in different villages, towns and cities across Europe."