Lawrence Gonzi

Lawrence Gonzi
KUOM
Gonzi in 2011
12th prime minister of Malta
In office
23 March 2004 – 11 March 2013
PresidentGuido de Marco
Edward Fenech Adami
George Abela
DeputyTonio Borg
Simon Busuttil
Preceded byEdward Fenech Adami
Succeeded byJoseph Muscat
Deputy Prime Minister of Malta
In office
29 March 1999 – 23 March 2004
Prime MinisterEdward Fenech Adami
Preceded byGuido de Marco
Succeeded byTonio Borg
Minister for Finance
In office
23 March 2004 – 10 March 2008
Prime MinisterHimself
Preceded byJohn Dalli
Succeeded byTonio Borg
Minister for Social Policy
In office
6 September 1998 – 23 March 2004
Prime MinisterEdward Fenech Adami
Preceded byEdwin Grech
Succeeded byDolores Cristina
Speaker of the House of Representatives
In office
October 1988 – September 1996
Preceded byJimmy Farrugia [de]
Succeeded byMyriam Spiteri Debono
Personal details
Born (1953-07-01) 1 July 1953 (age 71)
Valletta, British Malta
Political partyNationalist
SpouseCatherine Gonzi née Callus[1]
Children3
Signature

Lawrence Gonzi KUOM (born 1 July 1953) is a Maltese politician,[2] retired Nationalist politician and lawyer, who served for twenty-five years in various critical roles in Maltese politics.[3] Gonzi was Prime Minister of Malta from 2004 to 2013, and leader of the Nationalist Party. He also served as speaker of the House from 1988 to 1996, and Minister of Social Policy from 1998 to 2004, as well as deputy prime minister from 1999 to 2004.[4] He served in practically all positions in Parliament, being also Leader of the House, an MP and Leader of the Opposition.[5]

Taking over as prime minister from Eddie Fenech Adami, Lawrence Gonzi led the islands through the delicate first years of EU membership. He piloted crucial economic and political reforms, spearheaded Malta's adoption of the euro, and the entry into force of the Schengen agreement.[3] His decision to privatise the Malta shipyards, and the pensions reform, proved to be unpopular. Following a razor-thin electoral victory in 2008, perceptions of arrogance in his cabinet, fomented by the Labour Party opposition and rebel backbenchers, dented his second term of office. Following the loss of a financial vote, his government lost supply in December 2012. The Nationalist party went on to lose the successive general election, leading to Gonzi's resignation and eventual retirement from politics.

Gonzi stressed the need to ensure sustainable development and environmental stewardship on the islands, also focusing on strengthening the education and healthcare sectors. In international diplomacy, Gonzi was lauded for his role in the Libyan Revolution, breaking Malta's long relationship with the Gaddafi regime, and siding with the rebels. Additionally, his humanitarian response to the migratory pressures enfolding around Malta led to the first voluntary European migrant burden sharing pact.[6] He was also highly regarded by EU leaders who worked by his side during his nine years as prime minister.[2][7]

  1. ^ "Malta election returning Labor party to power". News.yahoo.com. Associated Press. 10 March 2013. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 5 April 2013.
  2. ^ a b "House pays tribute to Lawrence Gonzi". The Malta Independent. 14 May 2013. Archived from the original on 28 July 2014. Retrieved 23 July 2014.
  3. ^ a b "Lawrence Gonzi - a tribute to a gentleman". The Malta Independent. 18 July 2013. Archived from the original on 28 July 2014. Retrieved 23 July 2013.
  4. ^ "Office of the Prime Minister". Archived from the original on 11 March 2014. Retrieved 4 November 2009.
  5. ^ "Lawrence Gonzi: A poignant farewell". 18 July 2013. Archived from the original on 28 July 2014. Retrieved 23 July 2014.
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference :9 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Barry, Duncan (15 November 2012). "Lawrence Gonzi an exemplary EU leader, Greek PM says". The Malta Independent. Archived from the original on 28 July 2014. Retrieved 23 July 2014.