Helena Dalli Expected To Be Appointed Malta’s Acting President

Helena Dalli is expected to be appointed as Malta’s next acting president, according to a report by Times of Malta.

The position has remained vacant since the death of former minister and MP Francis Zammit Dimech on 21 April. Since then, Parliamentary Speaker Anġlu Farrugia has been temporarily fulfilling the role.

The acting president steps in when the President is abroad or unable to carry out her responsibilities due to health reasons.

The role involves carrying out constitutional duties such as signing legislation, presiding over official functions, and acting on the advice of the prime minister.

Unlike the president, who must be approved by a two-thirds majority in Parliament, an acting president can be appointed unilaterally by the government without a set term.

Speaking to Times of Malta, Dalli said she was willing to take on the role and that she had always acted in service of the country.

A veteran Labour politician, she began her political career in 1996 and has held various ministerial roles, including civil liberties and European affairs.

In 2019, she became Malta’s first female European Commissioner, serving as Commissioner for Equality.

#MaltaDaily