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Malta

 Flag of Malta

Last reviewed: 14 May 2009

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POLITICS

Recent Political Developments

The Nationalist Party Government applied in 1990 to join the EU and received a positive European Commission Opinion in 1993. The Labour Government of 1996-1998 froze, but did not withdraw, the membership application. The Nationalist Party reactivated it on their return to office in 1998. EU accession negotiations were completed in December 2002. A referendum in March 2003 was won by those in favour of EU membership. A general election followed. On 12 April 2003 the Nationalist Party retained power for 5 years with over 51% of the vote. . This decisive election victory enabled Dr Fenech Adami to sign the Accession Treaty in Athens in April 2003. Dr Fenech Adami retired as Prime Minister in March 2004 and was replaced by Dr Lawrence Gonzi. Dr Fenech Adami was elected President of Malta by Parliament and assumed office on 4 April 2004. He replaced Professor Guido de Marco for a 5-year term. A general election was held in March 2008 and the Nationalist Party was re-elected to power by a narrow margin. Lawrence Gonzi continues as Prime Minister for a second term.

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