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.

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