China would have been more fun, I suppose

Some days ago, Times of Malta interviewed the Foreign Minister about Malta’s EU Presidency. This struck me in particular:

“We have already raised this possibility with our UK counterparts and I hope this does not mean we will have to remain at the helm of the EU for a whole year instead of six months,” Dr Vella said jokingly.

A Nationalist government would have relished the opportunity to stay at the helm of the European Union for a whole year rather than just six months.

I hope this is not a reflection on the government’s confidence and belief in its ability to steer the EU’s agenda and deliberations to Malta’s advantage, while in that driving-seat.

Or maybe the government thinks the European Union is a waste of time because it’s not China, Russia, Azerbaijan or the Gulf States.