Malta - Head of Government

The Hon Dr Lawrence Gonzi is serving a second term as Prime Minister of Malta following the victory of his Nationalist Party (NP) at the 8 March 2008 general election. He first took office in March 2004 soon after being elected Leader of the NP.

Prior to this, Dr Gonzi was Deputy Prime Minister from May 1999 to March 2004, while holding the post of Deputy Leader of the NP. He was appointed Leader of the House of Representatives from September 1998 to March 2004.

Dr Gonzi served as Minister for Social Policy from 1998 to 1999.

From 1997 to 1999, he served as Secretary-General of the NP.

Dr Gonzi was elected to Parliament in 1996 and served as Opposition Party Whip, Secretary to the Parliamentary Group and Shadow Minister for Social Policy from 1996 to 1998.

He served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1988 to 1996.

From 1989 to 1997, Dr Gonzi was Chairperson of a leading company in the private sector.

Prior to his entry into politics, he practised law from 1975 to 1988.

Dr Gonzi obtained his Doctorate in Law from the University of Malta.

He was born on 1 July 1953 in Valletta.

More at: http://www.opm.gov.mt/