George Vella facts for kids

George William Vella KUOM is a Maltese politician. He was the 10th President of Malta from 2019 to 2024. He is a member of the Labour Party. Before becoming president, he served as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister.

Early Life and Education

George Vella was born in Żejtun, Malta, on April 24, 1942. He completed his primary schooling there. He then went on to study medicine at the Royal University of Malta.

Becoming a Doctor

In 1964, George Vella graduated as a medical doctor. He also earned a special certificate in Aviation Medicine. Since 2003, he has been a specialist in family medicine. From 1964 to 1966, he worked at St. Luke's Hospital, Malta. Later, he worked as a medical officer for Malta's drydocks from 1966 to 1973. He also served as a medical officer for Air Malta.

Family Life

George Vella is married to Miriam. They have two daughters and one son. They are also proud grandparents to seven grandchildren.

Political Career

George Vella began his political journey with the Labour Party in 1976. He was first elected as a Member of Parliament in January 1978. He was re-elected many times in later general elections. He represented the 3rd and 5th Districts in Parliament.

International Roles

In 1978, Vella was a substitute member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. He also reported on sea pollution at a European conference. From 1987, he was Malta's permanent representative at the Council of Europe for a few months.

Leadership in the Labour Party

In 1992, George Vella was chosen as the Labour Party's deputy leader for parliamentary affairs. He also spoke for the party on foreign affairs until 2003. He was a vice-chairman on the committee that worked with the EU and Malta's Parliament. From 1995 to 1996, he was part of important parliamentary committees.

Serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister

The office of Vella while serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs

George Vella was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Environment in October 1996. He held these roles until 1998. He was appointed to these positions again in March 2013 and served until June 2017. He has supported the idea of a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly. This group wants to make the United Nations more democratic.

Becoming President of Malta

In early 2019, it was thought that George Vella might become the next President of Malta. Both the ruling Labour Party and the opposition Nationalist Party supported his nomination. The Democratic Party also supported him. However, they did not vote to protest for a change in the law. This change would require more votes to elect the president.

The vote in Parliament happened on April 2, 2019. Members of Parliament voted to approve Vella's appointment. He was the only person nominated. George Vella officially became president on April 4, 2019. This date is when many past Maltese Presidents have also started their terms. His term ended on April 4, 2024.

Awards and Recognitions

George Vella has received many awards for his service. These are called "honours."

Awards from Malta

• He is a Companion of the National Order of Merit (KOM).
• As President, he became the Grand Master and Companion of Honour of the National Order of Merit.
• He is also the Grand Master of the Xirka Ġieħ ir-Repubblika.

Awards from Other Countries

• From  Greece: He received the Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer and the Grand Commander of the Order of Honour.
• From  Italy: He was awarded the Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
• From  Latvia: He received the Commander Grand Cross with Chain of the Order of the Three Stars.
• From  San Marino: He was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Agatha.
• From the  United Kingdom: He is an Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George.
• From the  Sovereign Military Order of Malta: He received the Grand Cross pro merito melitensi of the Order pro Merito Melitensi.

See also

In Spanish: George Vella para niños

• List of foreign ministers in 2017
• List of foreign ministers in 2016