MALTA - POLITICS | More Virtual Mobility

Malta’s diplomatic and consular representation includes accreditation to 152 foreign countries and international organizations. Malta is host to 20 resident diplomatic missions, and 112 countries have non-resident diplomatic representation.

With its central location in the Mediterranean, Malta is called a bridge between Europe and North Africa, particularly Libya, with whom it has enjoyed positive diplomatic and commercial ties. Malta is one of the southernmost points of the European Union. Malta continues to be an active participant in the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the Council of Europe, OSCE, and various other international organizations. In these forums, Malta has frequently expressed its concern for the peace and economic development of the Mediterranean region.

Politics in Malta is a serious business. Most people are politically aware and there is intense rivalry between the parties. The two main contenders are the Nationalists (Christian Democrat) and the Labour Party. Since 1974 Malta has been a republic within the British Commonwealth. It has a single legislative chamber of 65 members, which is elected by a system of proportional representation. The President is the constitutional Head of state, although this role is primarily nominal since executive powers by the Prime Minister. The House of Representatives sits in the Grand Masters’ Palace, and the office of the Prime Minister is in the Auberge de castile. Under Dom Mintoff (who held the office of Prime Minister from 1971 to 1984), Malta developed a position of non-alignment in relation to the superpowers. He also provoked a great deal of controversy by fostering close links with Libya.

Executive branch

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister

elections: president elected by the House of Representatives for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);

following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president for a five-year term; the deputy prime minister is appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister

Legislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives (usually 65 seats; members are elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve five-year terms; note - additional seats are given to the party with the largest popular vote to ensure a legislative majority)
elections: last held 8 March 2008 (next to be held by March 2013)