George Abela
George Abela | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 22, 1948 Qormi, Malta |
| Occupation(s) | Statesman, legal advisor |
| Years active | 1965–present |
| Known for | Eighth President of Malta (2009–2014) |
| Notable work | Chairman of Malta Football Association, Deputy Leader of Labour Party, President of Malta |
George Abela, born on 22 April 1948, is a Maltese statesman who held the position of the eighth president of Malta from April 2009 until April 2014.
Early life
Hailing from Qormi, Malta, Abela completed his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Malta in 1965, followed by a law degree a decade later in 1975. He then dedicated 25 years to serving as a legal advisor for the General Workers Union, where he developed significant expertise in employment legislation.
Malta Football Association
In 1982, after his tenure as president of Qormi FC, Abela was appointed chairman of the Malta Football Association. During his leadership, he spearheaded modernization efforts by introducing new training facilities, a gym, a physiotherapy center, and installing artificial lighting. His initiatives also led to the national team players receiving professional-level training.
Labour Party
Abela stepped down from the MFA chairmanship in 1992 to assume the role of Deputy Leader responsible for Party Affairs within the Labour Party. Following the party’s victory in the 1996 elections, he acted as Legal Consultant to Prime Minister Alfred Sant, participating in cabinet meetings until his resignation in 1997 due to disagreements over policy. In 1998, he parted ways with the Labour Party after it decided to call an early election amid a parliamentary crisis. By 2000, he also concluded his association with the General Workers' Union.
Turning to private legal practice, Abela provided counsel to government entities including the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) and the Malta European Union Steering Action Committee (MEUSAC). His outspoken criticism of the Union sparked media speculation suggesting a possible alignment with the Nationalist government led by Prime Minister Edward Fenech Adami. Additionally, he offered advisory services to several emerging unions such as the Malta Dockers' Union.
In 2008, following Alfred Sant’s resignation, Abela ran for leadership of the Labour Party. He advanced to a runoff against Joseph Muscat but was defeated, securing 33.64% of the vote compared to Muscat’s 66.36%. Subsequently, Muscat appointed him as Labour Party representative on the Malta-EU Steering Action Committee (MEUSEC).
Presidency
On 12 January 2009, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi announced George Abela as the Government’s candidate for President of Malta, set to succeed Eddie Fenech Adami whose term ended on 4 April 2009. This appointment was notable as it was the first occasion that an opposition figure was nominated for the presidency. To facilitate this transition, Abela resigned from both MEUSAC and the Labour Party. The House of Representatives ratified his appointment as the eighth President on 1 April 2009, with a motion introduced by Gonzi and seconded by Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat. He officially took office on 4 April 2009 when sworn in by Speaker Louis Galea.
Throughout his presidency, Abela stressed balancing optimism with prudent financial management: "We need to develop our culture by learning to save our money and be cautious not to spend more than we can afford."
On New Year's Day, President Abela and his wife Margaret welcomed Prime Minister Gonzi along with government ministers at the President's Palace in Valletta. He also remarked on how neighboring nations have endured significant hardships due to austerity policies imposed on their citizens.
Air Malta
George Abela was designated as the intermediary between Air Malta and its various unions, including those representing pilots, cabin crew, and ground employees. At the invitation of then Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, he served as co-chair of a committee tasked with bringing together the airline’s four unions to collaboratively determine a strategic direction.
Personal life
George Abela is married to Margaret (née Cauchi), and they have two children, Marija and Robert. In 2020, Robert Abela assumed the role of Malta's prime minister, heading the Malta Labour Party.
In July 2025, George Abela and his wife were involved in a serious car accident in Fgura that caused one death and left another person critically injured. Both were admitted to hospital but were released approximately one week later.
National honours
- : Companion of Honour of the National Order of Merit ex officio as a former President of Malta
Foreign honours
- : Grand Cross of the Order of Vytautas the Great (17 May 2012)
- : Sash of the Order of the Star of Romania (2010)
- : Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Isabella the Catholic (20 November 2009)