No legal bar to Fenech Adami as PM

There is nothing in the Constitution or in the Nationalist Party statute that would automatically impede Eddie Fenech Adami from staying on as prime minister after a new party leader is elected.

Sources close to the Nationalist Party say it is likely that Dr Fenech Adami will decide to stay on as prime minister for a number of months following the election of a new leader.

Even if it is not the practice in Malta, it is possible to have a prime minister who is not the leader of his or her own party.

The Constitution lays down that the President shall name as prime minister that member of the House of Representatives who, in his judgment, is best able to command the support of a majority of the members of parliament.

PN sources are saying that although Dr Fenech Adami's successor will not be a designate leader "it is likely we will have a scenario in which the Nationalist Party will have a new leader but Dr Fenech Adami will remain prime minister for a short interim period".

There is also still the possibility that Dr Fenech Adami will be appointed President: "In such an eventuality this could take place in April when President Guido de Marco's term ends. However, if Dr Fenech Adami agrees to be the next President, it is more likely there will be an acting president should he wish to stay on longer as prime minister," the sources said.