In a historic move, Malta’s Parliament unanimously approved notary Myriam Spiteri Debono as the nation’s next President during a plenary sitting on Wednesday evening.
Spiteri Debono, who previously served as Malta’s first female Speaker during the Alfred Sant administration from 1996 to 1998, garnered support from both government and opposition benches.
She is set to be sworn in as the 11th President of Malta on Thursday, April 4, succeeding George Vella. All 75 Members of Parliament present voted in favor of her appointment.
Prime Minister Robert Abela hailed the occasion as a significant milestone, noting that it marked the first utilization of a constitutional reform implemented in 2020.
This reform mandates that the President of the Republic be approved by a two-thirds majority of Parliament, ensuring cross-party consensus. Abela emphasized the importance of modernizing and revitalizing the democratic process in Malta through this reform.
Opposition leader Bernard Grech praised Spiteri Debono’s qualities, citing her integrity, precision, and dedication.
He expressed gratitude for the collaborative discussions held to determine Vella’s successor, highlighting that the effectiveness of any reform or legal amendment depends on the individuals responsible for its implementation.
#MaltaDaily