Lawrence Gonzi

Lawrence Gonzi

Lawrence Gonzi (born July 1, 1953) son of Luigi Gonzi and Ines Galea, the grand nephew of Mgr. Michael Gonzi, former Archbishop of Malta, is the Prime Minister of Malta and Finance Minister of Malta. He is the leader of the Partit Nazzjonalista, the Christian Democratic Party. He became prime minister on March 23, 2004, following the resignation of Eddie Fenech Adami.

Gonzi first contested the 1987 elections unsuccessfully with the Partit Nazzjonalista (Nationalist Party). He was appointed Speaker of the House in 1988 and in 1992 was re-appointed with a unanimous vote. Gonzi contested the general elections again in 1996 and this time he was successful. As an Opposition MP he served as Shadow Minister for Social Policy, Secretary of the Nationalist Parliamentary Group, Party Whip and later General Secretary of the Party.

In 1998 he was returned and appointed Minister for Social Policy. In May 1999 he successfully contested the post of Deputy Leader of the Party and was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the House. Gonzi was again successful in 2003 and, following the resignation of Eddie Fenech Adami as Prime Minister and party leader, Gonzi won the leadership contest held in February 2004. He was appointed Prime Minister shortly afterwards. He has also assumed responsibility of the Ministry of Finance.

Dr Lawrence Gonzi is married to Catherine née Callus and they have three children, David, Mikela and Paul.