Lawrence Gonzi

He is the grandnephew of Mikiel Gonzi, Archbishop of Malta from 1944 until 1976.

His younger brother, Michael Gonzi, is a Nationalist backbencher.

Gonzi spent his childhood years in the youth section of the local Catholic Action organisation, the Circolo Gioventù Cattolica.

He began his education at the Archbishop's Seminary in Floriana, continuing his studies there until sitting for his matriculation exams.

Lawrence Gonzi, (born 1 July 1953) is a Maltese politician, retired Nationalist politician and lawyer, who served for twenty-five years in various critical roles in Maltese politics.

Lawrence Gonzi was born on 1 July 1953, in Valletta, British Malta, the son of Luigi Gonzi (1919–2010) and Ines Gonzi (née Galea) (1921–2008).

Gonzi attended the University of Malta, studying law and graduating as a lawyer in 1975.

His strong commitment to his Catholic faith led him to join the Malta Catholic Action Movement, serving as its general president between 1976 and 1986.

He was also the first chairman of the Kummissjoni Nazzjonali Persuni b’ Diżabilità (KNPD), a national commission for persons with disability.

He is married to Catherine "Kate" Gonzi, née Callus.

The couple have three children (David, Mikela and Paul), five grandchildren and live in Marsascala.

The political and religious turmoil in Malta during the 1980s moved him to get involved in local politics.

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.

He served in practically all positions in Parliament, being also Leader of the House, an MP and Leader of the Opposition.

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.

His decision to privatise the Malta shipyards, and the pensions reform, proved to be unpopular.

After unsuccessfully contesting the 1987 general election with the Nationalist Party, Gonzi was appointed Speaker of the House of Representatives on 10 October 1988.

After practicing law in a private firm, he worked as a company lawyer with the Mizzi Organisation, serving as group chairman between 1989 and 1997.

Gonzi is very active in the voluntary sector, particularly in areas relating to disability and mental health issues.

In 1992, his re-appointment to the post was proposed by the Prime Minister, seconded by the Leader of the Opposition and approved unanimously by the House on 4 April 1992.

During his term as Speaker of the House of Representatives, Gonzi overhauled the methods with which Parliament operated, including the set up of its permanent committees.

He also introduced new procedures with regards to the timing of debates between the two sides of the House.

His tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives exposed his modest but firm bearing, which calming fraying tempers in difficult moments for the house.

Gonzi contested the October 1996 general elections and was elected to Parliament on 29 October 1996.

In November 1996, he was appointed as Whip for the Opposition, secretary to the Opposition Parliamentary Group, and Shadow Minister for Social Policy.

The following year, he was elected Secretary General of the Nationalist Party.

After the Nationalist Party won the 1998 election, Gonzi was appointed Minister for Social Policy and Leader of the House of Representatives on 8 September 1998.

He also served as deputy prime minister from May 1999 to March 2004.

His negotiating skills and business acumen helped in restructuring the local economy.

As Minister for Social Policy, he was driving force behind many social and economic reforms including two milestones which revolutionised social dialogue and industrial relations in Malta.

With an economy which was being reformed and opened up in the run-up to Malta's accession to the European Union, the need to overhaul industrial relations legislation became pressing.

Gonzi was Prime Minister of Malta from 2004 to 2013, and leader of the Nationalist Party.

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.

He was also highly regarded by EU leaders who worked by his side during his nine years as prime minister.