Lawrence Gonzi | |
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![]() Gonzi in 2011 | |
12th Prime Minister of Malta | |
In office 23 March 2004 – 11 March 2013 | |
President | Guido de Marco Edward Fenech Adami George Abela |
Deputy | Tonio Borg Simon Busuttil |
Preceded by | Edward Fenech Adami |
Succeeded by | Joseph Muscat |
Deputy Prime Minister of Malta | |
In office 29 March 1999 – 23 March 2004 | |
Prime Minister | Edward Fenech Adami |
Preceded by | Guido de Marco |
Succeeded by | Tonio Borg |
Minister for Finance | |
In office 23 March 2004 – 10 March 2008 | |
Prime Minister | Himself |
Preceded by | John Dalli |
Succeeded by | Tonio Borg |
Minister for Social Policy | |
In office 6 September 1998 – 23 March 2004 | |
Prime Minister | Edward Fenech Adami |
Preceded by | Edwin Grech |
Succeeded by | Dolores Cristina |
Speaker of the House of Representatives | |
In office October 1988 – September 1996 | |
Preceded by | Jimmy Farrugia |
Succeeded by | Myriam Spiteri Debono |
Personal details | |
Born | Valletta, British Malta | 1 July 1953
Political party | Nationalist |
Spouse | Catherine Gonzi née Callus[1] |
Children | 3 |
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]
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