Malta’s Presidential Genesis: The First to Lead

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The first President of Malta was Sir Anthony Mamo. Prior to his presidency, Mamo was a prominent lawyer and judge, serving as Chief Justice from 1957 to 1964. He was a respected figure known for his integrity and fairness.

Mamo’s ethnicity was Maltese, and he was proud of his heritage. He was born in Birkirkara, Malta, on January 9, 1909, to a middle-class family. He was a devout Catholic and remained committed to his faith throughout his life.

Mamo’s achievement as President of Malta were significant. He played a crucial role in stabilizing the country during a time of political and social change. He helped establish a strong and independent judiciary, and he promoted national unity and reconciliation. Mamo is remembered as a wise and compassionate leader who guided Malta through a challenging period in its history.

Here are some additional achievements and notable aspects of Anthony Mamo’s legacy:

  • He was a founding member of the Nationalist Party, serving as its secretary-general from 1945 to 1947.
  • Mamo was a strong advocate for Maltese independence from British rule.
  • He served as Minister of Justice and Minister of Education in the first Nationalists government after independence in 1964.
  • Mamo was a respected scholar and author, publishing several books on law and history.
  • He was known for his humility and his dedication to public service.
  • Mamo passed away on May 19, 2008, at the age of 99. He remains one of the most revered figures in Maltese history.
  • Mamo’s legacy is one of integrity, dedication, and service to his country. He is remembered as a symbol of unity and a true champion of Maltese independence and progress.
Malta held the presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first half of 2017.  The presidency was the last of three presidencies making up a presidency trio, which began with the presidency of the Netherlands, followed by that of Slovakia.  It was the first time Malta had held the presidency.

Emblem of Malta

To enrich your insights into presidential figures worldwide, also explore some prominent first presidents from other countries, such as Mali, Maldives and Malaysia. Delving into the leadership journeys of these figures can offer valuable perspectives on their historical significance and pivotal roles in shaping global politics.

The president of Malta (Maltese: President ta' Malta) is the constitutional head of state of Malta. The president is indirectly elected by the House of Representatives of Malta, which appoints the president for a five-year term and requires them to swear an oath to "preserve, protect and defend" the Constitution. The president of Malta also resides directly or indirectly in all three branches of the state. They are part of Parliament and responsible for the appointment of the judiciary. Executive authority is nominally vested in the president, but is in practice exercised by the prime minister.

The official residence and symbol of the Malta President

10 Iconic Presidents Who Shaped Malta’s History

The President's Office in Malta
The President’s Office in Malta

Here are 10 popular presidents from Malta:

  • 1. Anthony Mamo
  • 2. Anton Buttigieg
  • 3. Agatha Barbara
  • 4. Ugo Mifsud Bonnici
  • 5. Guido de Marco
  • 6. Eddie Fenech Adami
  • 7. George Abela
  • 8. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca
  • 9. George Vella
  • 10. Robert Abela

1. Anthony Mamo was the first president of Malta, serving from 1974 to 1976. He played a crucial role in the country’s transition from a parliamentary monarchy to a republic.

2. Anton Buttigieg served as president from 1976 to 1981. He was a well-respected poet and politician, and focused on promoting culture and heritage during his tenure.

3. Agatha Barbara was the first woman president of Malta, serving from 1982 to 1987. She was a prominent activist for gender equality and social justice.

4. Ugo Mifsud Bonnici served as president from 1994 to 1999. He had a strong legal background and played a pivotal role in shaping Malta’s constitutional framework.

5. Guido de Marco, president from 1999 to 2004, was a prominent diplomat and academic. He advocated for human rights and was an influential figure in international relations.

6. Eddie Fenech Adami served as president from 2004 to 2009. He was also the Prime Minister of Malta on two separate occasions and played a key role in the country’s economic development.

7. George Abela occupied the presidency from 2009 to 2014. He was a respected academic and lawyer, known for his work in labor law and social justice.

8. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca served as the ninth president of Malta from 2014 to 2019. She was heavily involved in social issues, including the empowerment of women and inclusion of marginalized groups.

9. George Vella, the current president, assumed office in April 2019. He has a background in medicine and served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Malta.

10. Robert Abela, the son of former President George Abela, assumed office in January 2020. He is the current Prime Minister of Malta and has quickly gained popularity among the Maltese people.

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