Presidents in Malta have a maximum term of office of five years. Malta officially became a republic in 1974 and, since then, has seen nine presidents plus two acting presidents ‘ad interim’. Who were they?

Sir Anthony Mamo 1974-1976

Sir Anthony Mamo (1909-2008) is a man of two important firsts. He was appointed first Maltese Governor-General on 3rd July 1971 and held office as the first President of Malta between 13th December 1974 and 26th December 1976. After just a year as an advocate in private practice, he made the Public Service his career and went through various roles in a succession of grades, including an appointment as Chief Justice and President of the Court of Appeal. Sir Anthony Mamo was awarded Knighthood in 1959.

Dr Anton Buttigieg 1976-1981

Dr Anton Buttigieg (1976-1981) hailed from Gozo and is best known for being a poet, as well as a writer and editor in the local media. He was also an advocate, police inspector and Minister of Justice and Parliamentary Affairs at different times. Less known is that he loved horse racing and gardening too! He held office as the second President of Malta between 27th December 1976 and 26th December 1981.

Dr Albert Hyzler (Ad Interim) 1981-1982

Dr Albert Hyzler (1916-1993) was a Doctor of Medicine who became heavily involved in politics from 1947 to 1976. He was called to serve as Acting President of the Republic from December 1981 to February 1982, until the establishment of Ms Agatha Barbara as President of Malta.

Ms Agatha Barbara 1982-1987

Ms Agatha Barbara (1923-2002) was the first female President of Malta. From school teacher to president was a considerable achievement for a woman of her time. In 1947, she was the first woman to be elected to the House of Representatives. She served the Labour administration as a Minister of Education and Minister of Labour, Culture and Welfare as well as being appointed Acting Prime Minister on several occasions. Ms Agatha Barbara was elected President of the Republic of Malta on Tuesday 16th February 1982.

Mr Paul Xuereb (Ad interim) 1987-1989

Mr Paul Xuereb (1923-1994) was a well-established novelist and short story writer. Perhaps less known is that he was an anti-aircraft gunner with the Royal Malta Artillery during World War II. He had studied journalism, political economy and political science in London, worked in publishing and served as a Member of Parliament for five terms, including a bout as a Minister. He was called to serve as Acting President of the Republic in February 1987 and stayed for two years, until Dr Vincent Tabone became President of Malta.

Dr Censu Tabone 1989-1994

Gozo-born Dr Vincent Tabone (1913-2012), aka Dr Censu Tabone, entered politics in 1961 and could present a long resume of appointments, including being a Minister and five terms as a Member of Parliament. But more interesting, we think, is that this pharmacist and doctor of medicine had a forefront role in the anti-Trachoma campaigns by the World Health Organisation. More amusing was his obsession with time and clock repairs, and he lived for almost a century! He became the fourth official President of Malta on 4th April 1989 and throughout his term, succeeded to win the hearts of The Labour Party that had initially boycotted his appointment.

Dr Ugo Mifsud Bonnici 1994-1999

Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Laws Dr Ugo Mifsud Bonnici (1932-present) has a long history as a Member of Parliament since 1966, with an active role in drawing Maltese legislation. Dr Mifsud Bonnici was also a prominent writer on several newspapers. He was made President of Malta on 4th April 1994 until five years later to the day.

Prof. Guido de Marco 1999-2004

Professor Guido de Marco (1931-2010) was Deputy Prime Minister of Malta and Minister of Foreign Affairs until his nomination to the Presidency of Malta, which he was bestowed on 4th April 1999. He was actively involved in politics since 1966. Prof Guido de Marco was President of the United Nations General Assembly (45th Session) in 1990, when he also became well-known for his role in Malta’s application to join the EU.

Dr Edward Fenech Adami 2004-2009

Most famous for his role as leader of the Nationalist Party for 27 years, Dr Edward Fenech Adami (1934-present) is also more familiarly known as Eddie. Politically active from the early 60s, he entered parliament in 1969 and was Nationalist Party leader from 1977 until 2004. During his four terms as Prime Minister of Malta, the island saw several reforms, including trade liberalisation, privatisation of several sectors and Malta’s inclusion in the European Union. Dr Fenech Adami became President of Malta on 4th April 2004 until five years later to the day.

Dr George Abela 2009-2014

The election of Dr George Abela (1948-present) as President of Malta from 4th April 2009 was particularly significant: it was the first time in 36 years that the President was unanimously approved in Parliament, perhaps because it was also the first time that the government of the day nominated a President with a different political leaning. His presidency brought about an unprecedented consolidation of the nation. Dr Abela is best known for his legal work in the General Workers' Union, where he represented the workers' interests, and also for his deep involvement in sports in Malta, particularly football. He established the very popular The President’s Solidarity Fun Run in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation, held annually in November.

Dr Marie Louise Coleiro Preca 2014-present

A Member of Parliament in the House of Representatives of Malta between 1998 and 2014, little did Dr Marie Lousie Coleiro Preca (1953-present) know she would eventually be President of Malta when she missed the run for leader of her party in 2008. Previously a Minister of the Family and Social Solidarity, Dr Coleiro Preca as President remains active in the national strategy against poverty, including the food aid programme, the national family commissions and the national prevention agency. She is known for her knack for using her role to inspire the people of Malta outside her presidential duties, by inviting them to show respect to each other and lead healthier lifestyles, among other things.