European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Saturday ruled herself out of the Nationalist Party (PN) leadership race, days after Bernard Grech stepped down as party leader.

In a statement published on her Facebook page, Metsola said she had been approached by many people encouraging her to run but firmly concluded that "my commitment and focus cannot be divided".

The Maltese MEP, who was re-elected President of the European Parliament just ten months ago, said the responsibilities that come with her current role - both for the European Union and for Malta - require her "unwavering attention". She emphasised that while there is no greater personal ambition in politics than to lead one's country, her current post is one she "cannot abandon halfway".

Her decision comes at a critical moment for the PN, which is now seeking a new leader ahead of the next general election. Metsola's name had quickly risen to the top of the public conversation, with speculation fuelled by her high-profile position and growing popularity.

She was pushed to take the job by many PN MPs, who saw her as the best solution. But, in the end, she decided to stay away. "Every decision I made was thoughtful, studied, and determined. This is who I am: a Maltese woman and a proud representative of the Maltese and Gozitan people," she wrote. She also acknowledged the public pressure she faced over the past days, stating she had "tried to find a formula" that would allow her to help the party while continuing her EP role - ultimately concluding that leading the PN herself was not a viable option.

Metsola made clear that her loyalty to the PN remains strong. "I will be more willing than ever to help the new leader in any way and role he calls me to," she said, pledging her full support to whoever takes on the position. She expressed confidence that the party could be strengthened, win the next election, and "save our country" through collective effort.

Metsola's post was deeply personal, addressing both her political principles and the backlash she expects to face following her decision. She said she is aware that many may disagree with her choice and warned that political opponents would likely "manipulate and distort" her words, a tactic she claimed has long been used against her.

"They cannot bear to see a Maltese woman fighting for what she believes in. They cannot accept it," she wrote. "They will increase the hatred, they will intensify the attacks, they will rampage. But I will continue fight every day so that, in everything I do and in every decision, I make, I show the whole world the best that our country has to offer."

The announcement marks a pivotal point in the PN's leadership transition, narrowing the field of potential candidates just as the party prepares to regroup after a period of tension and electoral disappointment. Grech's resignation earlier this week caught many by surprise and has reignited debates over the PN's direction and future leadership strategy.

Metsola's absence from the race is likely to reshape expectations around the party's next chapter. While some supporters may be disappointed, her offer of continued support and involvement suggests she will remain an influential figure within the PN's wider network.

The European Parliament President concluded her statement with a reaffirmation of her lifelong commitment to the party and country, stating: "I will always be there for our Party and for my country, as I have always been since my youth."