Momentum has criticised Roberta Metsola's decision to prioritise her role as President of the European Parliament, accusing her of turning her back on the Nationalist Party  at a time of deep internal crisis.

Party chairperson Arnold Cassola said Metsola's refusal to contest the PN leadership has plunged the party into further disarray, leaving Malta without a functioning opposition in Parliament.

"Malta cannot afford to be without a strong and effective opposition," Cassola said. "This vacuum allows Prime Minister Robert Abela to act unchecked - whether escaping to Ragusa after his MPs blocked an inquiry into Jean Paul Sofia's death, or choosing a Gozo visit over meeting victims of a devastating building collapse."

On Saturday, Metsola announced she would not run to replace outgoing PN leader Bernard Grech, saying she could not abandon her current responsibilities in Brussels halfway through her mandate.

Momentum General Secretary Mark Camilleri Gambin responded by urging the public to give their movement a chance to step into the void left by the PN. "While the PN has given up on winning the next election, we are ready to prove our worth in Parliament," he said.

"We will not be swayed by the money of corrupt developers. We will never compromise on our principles-and we will always stand up for the people," Camilleri Gambin added.