George Abela facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Abela
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| 8th President of Malta | |
| In office 4 April 2009 – 4 April 2014 |
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| Prime Minister | Lawrence Gonzi Joseph Muscat |
| Preceded by | Eddie Fenech Adami |
| Succeeded by | Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 22 April 1948 Qormi, Crown Colony of Malta |
| Political party | Labour Party |
| Spouse | Margaret Cauchi (1976–present) |
| Children | Robert Abela Marija Abela |
| Alma mater | University of Malta |
George Abela was the eighth president of Malta, serving from April 2009 to April 2014. He is a Maltese politician, born on April 22, 1948. As president, he was the head of state for Malta.
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Early Life and Education
George Abela was born in Qormi, Malta, on April 22, 1948. His parents were George and Ludgarda Abela. He went to primary school in Qormi and then to the Lyceum in Hamrun.
In 1965, he started studying at the University of Malta. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. For a short time, he worked as a teacher. Later, he became a notary public. In 1975, he finished his studies and became a lawyer.
After becoming a lawyer, he worked for the General Workers Union. He was a legal consultant there for 25 years. This experience helped him learn a lot about employment law.
Family Life
George Abela is married to Margaret (née Cauchi). They got married in 1976. They have two children, a daughter named Marija and a son named Robert.
His son, Robert Abela, also became a politician. In 2020, Robert Abela was elected as the prime minister of Malta.
Leading Malta Football
In 1982, George Abela became the chairman of the Malta Football Association (MFA). Before this, he was the president of Qormi FC.
During his time at the MFA, he made many positive changes. He helped improve the football facilities. New training grounds, a gym, and a physiotherapy clinic were built. Artificial lighting was also added to fields. For the first time, players of the Malta national football team started training as full-time professionals.
Political Journey
After ten years with the MFA, George Abela joined the Labour Party in 1992. He became the Deputy Leader, in charge of party matters.
When the Labour Party won the election in 1996, he became a legal advisor to the Prime Minister, Alfred Sant. This meant he attended important government meetings. However, he resigned from this role in 1997 due to disagreements with the Prime Minister.
In 1998, he completely left the Labour Party. This was because he disagreed with the party's decision to call an early election. He also stopped working with the General Workers' Union in 2000.
After 2000, he focused on his private law practice. He advised different government groups, like the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA). He also advised four new unions, including the Malta Dockers' Union.
In 2008, he ran for the leader of the Labour Party. Other candidates included Joseph Muscat. George Abela came in second place. The winner, Joseph Muscat, then invited him to work with the party again. Abela became the Labour Party's representative on the Malta-EU Steering Action Committee (MEUSEC).
Becoming President
On January 12, 2009, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi announced that George Abela was being suggested as the next President of Malta. He would take over from Eddie Fenech Adami.
This was a special moment in Maltese history. It was the first time the government chose a President from the opposing political party. To prepare for this role, George Abela resigned from MEUSAC and the Labour Party.
On April 1, 2009, the House of Representatives approved George Abela as the 8th President of Malta. Prime Minister Gonzi and Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat both supported the decision. On April 4, 2009, George Abela was officially sworn in as President by Speaker Louis Galea.
As President, he spoke about the importance of hope and careful spending. He said, "There needs to be a reasonable dose of optimism and courage. But courage, optimism and hope are not enough. We need to develop our culture by learning to save our money and be cautious to not spend more than we can afford."
Air Malta Role
After his presidency, George Abela was asked to help with Air Malta. He was appointed as a mediator between the airline and its unions. The Prime Minister at the time, Joseph Muscat, invited him to co-chair a committee. This committee's job was to bring the airline's four unions together to find solutions for the airline's future.
Awards and Recognitions
George Abela has received several important awards and honors.
National Awards
Malta : He is a Companion of Honour of the National Order of Merit. This honor is given to him automatically because he served as President of Malta.
International Awards
Lithuania : Grand Cross of the Order of Vytautas the Great (received on May 17, 2012).
Romania : Sash of the Order of the Star of Romania (received in 2010).
Spain : Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Isabella the Catholic (received on November 20, 2009).
See also
In Spanish: George Abela para niños
