There were equally compelling reasons why Roberta Metsola chose to decline the PN leadership at this time. The romantic notion of political redemption and national service must have been weighed against the brutal realities of Maltese politics and the risks involved in stepping into a deeply fractured party.

A party in disarray

The Nationalist Party is, by many accounts, not just bruised but broken. It is burdened by significant debt, outdated structures, and an identity crisis it has failed to resolve for more than a decade. Metsola would have inherited not a well-oiled machine, but a fragmented, debt-laden institution riddled with infighting and ideological confusion. Rebuilding the party is a Herculean task, likely thankless in the short term, and politically perilous.

The knife-wielding factions

It's not just the structure - it's the people. The PN has a history of internal backstabbing. Factions within the party helped push out Adrian Delia and were less than supportive of Bernard Grech. Even if Metsola had entered with overwhelming support, that unity could fracture once real decisions start being made. Her international stature would not have shielded her from knives aimed at her back. Why trade the political respect of Brussels for the political infighting of Pietà?

Comfort vs chaos

Then there was the personal dimension. Metsola is currently one of the most influential figures in the European Union. Her position comes with not only prestige but a generous financial package, a global network, and access to policymaking at the highest level. In contrast, leading the Opposition in Malta is a modest, draining, and often thankless role. The pay is lower, the influence limited, and the political trench warfare constant. Why walk away from the international stage to play second fiddle in a parliament dominated by Labour?

A disillusioned electorate

Metsola must have also questioned the wisdom of trying to awaken an electorate that seems, at times, indifferent to corruption and scandal. Labour's dominance has persisted despite numerous controversies that would have toppled governments elsewhere. If the public continues to reward the incumbent despite growing concerns about governance, Metsola might have wondered whether it's worth fighting an uphill battle when the audience refuses to listen.

Life after politics

There was also the argument that her post-EP career might not lie in domestic politics at all. Metsola could easily pivot to a globally respected career in academia, diplomacy, or international consultancy. She would be in demand as a speaker, adviser, or board member in institutions and conferences worldwide. That trajectory could prove more fulfilling - and less bruising - than returning home to rescue a party that may not be ready to be saved.

An Opposition still out of its depth

Lastly, even with Metsola at the helm, the PN's structural weaknesses may simply be too great to overcome in time for the next general election. The Labour Party's electoral machine remains formidable, and a one-person makeover might not be enough. Her thoughts must have gone to how she would have expended valuable political capital on a project that could be doomed from the start.