George Abela President of Malta Date of Birth: 22.04.1948 Country: Malta

1. George Abela: The First Labour President of Malta
2. A Decorative Presidency in a Young Democracy
3. A Biography of George Abela

George Abela: The First Labour President of Malta

George Abela, the President of Malta, made history by becoming the first president from the Labour Party. Prior to his appointment, the presidency was held by representatives from the Nationalist Party, the second major political party in Malta. Interestingly, Malta only has these two political parties, with no other party organizations. Malta is an island nation located in the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and Tunisia. Until 1964, it was a British colony and a military base. The liberation of Malta is considered to have happened in two stages. First, on September 21, 1964, under the influence of the ruling Nationalists, England granted Malta independence. Then, on March 31, 1979, with the efforts of the Labour Party, Malta ceased to be a British naval base. As a result, the country now celebrates two days of independence. The Nationalists call their day "Independence Day" and celebrate it on September 21, while the Labour Party has named their day "Freedom Day" and celebrate it on March 31. Interestingly, a significant part of the celebration program coincides, as it includes a regatta in the Grand Harbour.

A Decorative Presidency in a Young Democracy

Due to the youth of democracy in Malta, the position of the country's president is still considered nominal and ceremonial. It is more of a role model than an actual source of power, as the prime minister governs the country. This is why George Abela is the ideal fit for the role of the country's president.

A Biography of George Abela

George Abela was born on April 22, 1948, in a family of a dockworker. He received an excellent education, first studying Maltese and English arts and history at the University of Malta, where he obtained his bachelor's degree. He then pursued a diploma in law. With over 30 years of experience in private practice, Abela specialized in civil, commercial, and industrial legislation. Throughout his career, he provided consultancy services to numerous public organizations, including trade unions and medical associations. Moreover, he contributed to the development of sports in Malta by opening new sports halls and building stadiums. George also attracted sponsors for medical research projects. Abela successfully balanced his active public life with his political career. For a long time, he served as the Deputy Chairman of the Labour Party's party affairs and, in 1996, became an advisor to Prime Minister Alfred Sant after the party's victory in parliamentary elections. He held this position for less than a year and resigned due to political disagreements with the prime minister. Without much ado, he returned to private practice and only participated in the 2008 party leadership elections, eventually being elected by the parliament as the President of Malta in 2009. George Abela's impressive track record perfectly suits the decorative role of the country's president. Perhaps this was the reason for his reincarnation in the political life of Malta.