Michael Piccinino’s plan to leave his job as PN secretary-general and focus on contesting the next general election hasn’t changed but the sudden death of Karl Gouder has slightly delayed it.

Gouder, the head of NET, had declared his intention to run for the secretary-general position before formal nominations. However, he suddenly died two days after announcing his intention.

Gouder’s sudden death means Piccinino has taken on his NET job on a temporary basis, as well as his current secretary-general position.

No one has declared their intention to contest the secretary-general job, which the PN executive elects, since Gouder passed away. PN leader Bernard Grech told Times of Malta today that Piccinino will remain in the role until he decides “what changes are necessary”.

However, Piccinino confirmed with Lovin Malta that this doesn’t mean he will stay on indefinitely.

“I am staying on for now because there is a need for stability, but the process to elect a secretary-general, and now also to appoint a new head of NET, remains underway,” he said.

While no timelines have been set yet, Piccinino said it will take “a matter of weeks” and that he certainly expects a new secretary-general and head of NET to be appointed before the end of the year.