Since gaining Independence in 1964 and later becoming a republic in 1974, Malta has seen a total of 12 presidents, including two acting presidents. But, who were these fine men and women?

1. Sir Anthony Mamo (Dec 1974 – Dec 1976)

Sir Anthony Mamo (1909-2008) had two important roles. He was appointed the first Maltese Governor-General in 1971 and later held office as the President of the Republic between 13^th December 1974 and 26^th December 1976. He was also appointed Chief Justice and President of the Court of Appeal, and was awarded Knighthood in 1959.

2. Dr Anton Buttigieg (Dec 1976 – Dec 1981)

Dr Anton Buttigieg (1976-1981) came from Malta’s sister isle and held office as the second president between 27^th December 1976 and 26^th December 1981. He was also widely known for his poetry and being a writer and editor in the local media. Lesser known is that he had green fingers and was interested in gardening. How about that?!

3. Dr Albert Hyzler (Dec 1981 – Feb 1982)

Dr Albert Hyzler (1916-1993) served as Acting President of Malta from December 1981 to February 1982 until Ms Agatha Barbara was appointed. Dr Hyzler was a Doctor of Medicine and became heavily involved in politics between 1947 and 1976.

4. Agatha Barbara (Feb 1982 - Feb 1987)

Agatha Barbara (1923-2002) was also another pioneering local. She was Malta’s first female president, and going from school teacher to president back in her day was quite the achievement. She was the first woman to be elected to the House of Representatives in 1947 and served as a Minister of Education and Minister of Labour, Culture and Welfare for the Labour administration. But, it doesn’t stop there! She was also appointed Acting Prime Minister on several occasions during her career.

5. Paul Xuereb (Feb 1987 – Apr 1989)

Paul Xuereb (1923-1994) was a well-established novelist and an anti-aircraft gunner with the Royal Malta Artillery during World War II. He served as ‘ad interim’ President of Malta for two years between February 1987 and April 1989 until Dr Vincent Tabone was appointed. Paul Xuereb also served as a Member of Parliament for five terms.

6. Censu Tabone (Apr 1989 – Apr 1994)

Gozitan local Dr Vincent Tabone (1913-2012), more affectionately known as Censu, entered politics in 1961 and occupied various roles including being a Minister, enjoying five terms as a Member of Parliament. This pharmacist and doctor played an important role in the anti-Trachoma campaigns of the World Health Organisation. He became Malta’s fourth president and won the hearts of so many locals.

7. Dr Ugo Mifsud Bonnici (Apr 1994 - Apr 1999)

Dr Ugo Mifsud Bonnici (1932-present) has had a long history as a Member of Parliament since 1966. Having a Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Laws, Mifsud Bonnici has played an active role in drawing Maltese legislation during his career and has also delved into writing for several newspapers.

8. Prof. Guido de Marco (Apr 1999 – Apr 2004)

Professor Guido de Marco (1931-2010) was Deputy Prime Minster and Minister of Foreign Affairs until his nomination and appointment to the Presidency. Prof. de Marco was also President of the United Nations General Assembly in 1990 and became well-known for his role in Malta’s application to enter the European Union.

9. Dr Edoardo Fenech Adami (Apr 2004 – Apr 2009)

Dr Edoardo “Eddie” Fenech Adami (1934-present) is most famous on our islands for his role as leader of the Nationalist Party for 27 years. Eddie Fenech Adami was politically active from the early 60s, entering Parliament in 1969 and party leader from 1977 to 2004. He served as the Prime Minister of Malta four times and became President of Malta in 2004.

10. Dr George Abela (Apr 2009 – Apr 2014)

Dr George Abela’s (1948-present) election to the Presidency was a significant choice, being the first time in 36 years that the President was unanimously approved in Parliament. He is best known for his legal work in the General Workers’ Union and for establishing the very popular The President’s Solidarity Fun Run in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund which has since been held annually.

11. Dr Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca (Apr 2014 – Apr 2019)

Little did Dr Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca (1953-present) know she would be President of Malta. She was a Member of Parliament in the House of Representatives of Malta between 1998 and 2014. She’s the second female President of the Republic and is known for inspiring people outside her presidential duties.

12. Dr George Vella (Apr 2019)

Recently appointed, Dr George Vella (1942-present) is the current President of Malta and is technically the 10^th one to be appointed. He graduated as Doctor in Medicine and Surgery and since 2003 has specialised in Family Medicine. He was first elected to Parliament in 1978 and was a member of Conference of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe between 1978 and 1986. He later served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Environment between 1996 and 1998.