Photo taken on Dec. 1, 2019 shows a TV set displaying Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat in a recorded televised address on the national television station Television Malta (TVM). Joseph Muscat announced on Sunday his decision to resign from office after January 12, when a new leader is chosen for the Labor Party and could replace him as prime minister. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua)
VALLETTA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced on Sunday his decision to resign from office after January 12, when a new leader is chosen for the Labour Party and could replace him as prime minister.
"This is what needs to be done," he said in a recorded televised address to the nation just minutes after the conclusion of yet another protest on the streets of Valletta demanding his resignation.
"I always said that a Prime Minister should not serve for more than two legislatures. So the time has come to practice what I preach and will kick-start the process for a new prime minister who will continue the work that has already been done," he said.
Referring to the killing of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, Muscat said: "Justice is being done. And I will see that justice is for everyone. Investigations are not complete. No one is above justice."
Galizia was reportedly killed by a car bomb in Malta on Oct. 16, 2017.
"I reiterate my deepest regret that a person who, with all her positive and negative qualities and contribution towards the democracy of our country, was killed in such a brutal way."
He said that every decision he took as long as he has been in power was out of love for his country. "I am not perfect. And I have my shortcomings... I assure you I gave everything in return for the trust you gave me... I had my defects and for them I apologize personally, even when these shortcomings were because of someone else."
In reaction, Nationalist Party leader Adrian Delia said every day Muscat remained in power was another blow to justice.
