Carmelo Abela
Carmelo Abela | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 10, 1972 Malta |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Years active | 1996–present |
| Known for | Minister for Home Affairs and National Security; Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion; Deputy Speaker of the House; Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister |
Carmelo Abela (born 10 February 1972) is a Maltese politician affiliated with the Labour Party, currently serving as a Member of Parliament in the House of Representatives of Malta. Throughout his career, he has occupied prominent governmental positions such as Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion, as well as Deputy Speaker of the House. Since 15 January 2020, he has held the role of Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister under Robert Abela's administration.
Biography
Abela was born in Malta on 10 February 1972. He secured his first parliamentary seat in 1996 and maintained his position through successive elections up to 2013. Between 2003 and his resignation in 2010, he fulfilled duties as Deputy Speaker and also acted as Government Whip.
In December 2014, he assumed the office of Minister for Home Affairs and National Security. Notably, in January 2017, Abela clarified government policy by confirming that children born in Malta to migrant parents would not be granted citizenship, in line with amendments to citizenship legislation enacted in 2001. On 8 June 2017, he was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion.
Criminal allegations
On 9 April 2021, Jason Azzopardi, a former Nationalist MP and lawyer, publicly accused Abela of receiving €300,000 connected to an unsuccessful HSBC bank robbery that occurred in 2010. At the time of the incident, Abela was employed by HSBC Bank Malta.
Abela refuted these claims and initiated legal proceedings against Azzopardi for defamation.
Defamation case victory
On 30 September 2024, the court ruled in favor of Abela, finding Azzopardi guilty of libel and imposing a €7,000 fine. The judgment highlighted that Azzopardi’s allegations were founded solely on statements from convicted offenders seeking presidential pardons, with no evidence from police or investigative bodies ever implicating Abela as an accomplice or suspect.
Following this decision, Azzopardi lodged an appeal. However, on 25 June 2025, the Court of Appeal upheld the initial verdict and dismissed the appeal.
Personal life
Carmelo Abela is married to Melanie, and together they have two children.
See also
- List of current foreign ministers
- List of foreign ministers in 2017
- List of ministers for home affairs of Malta
External links
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