MALTA COMMEMORATES 51ST ANNIVERSARY AS A REPUBLIC

Malta is today marking the 51st anniversary of its transition to a Republic, commemorating a defining moment in the country’s modern political history that reshaped its constitutional identity and strengthened democratic governance.

On 13 December 1974, Malta formally ended its constitutional ties with the British monarchy, removing Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State and abolishing the role of Governor-General. On the same day, Sir Anthony Mamo, who had been serving as the last Governor-General, was sworn in as Malta’s first President, becoming the nation’s Head of State.

Although Malta had gained independence from Britain a decade earlier in 1964, it remained a Commonwealth realm, with the British monarch retaining the role of Head of State.

The shift was formalised through a parliamentary vote on 13 December 1974, which amended the Constitution to establish Malta as a Republic within the Commonwealth. The constitutional changes introduced at the time also strengthened democratic principles, including the lowering of the voting age to 18, enhanced protection of freedom of conscience, and measures aimed at reducing electoral manipulation.

Republic Day is now observed annually as a national public holiday, serving as a reminder of Malta’s journey towards full self-determination and the consolidation of its democratic institutions.

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