Guido de Marco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Guido de Marco
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Guido de Marco aboard USS La Salle, 2003
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| 6th President of Malta | |
| In office 4 April 1999 – 4 April 2004 |
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| Prime Minister | Edward Fenech Adami Lawrence Gonzi |
| Preceded by | Ugo Mifsud Bonnici |
| Succeeded by | Eddie Fenech Adami |
| President of the United Nations General Assembly | |
| In office 1990–1991 |
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| Preceded by | Joseph Nanven Garba |
| Succeeded by | Samir S. Shihabi |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 22, 1931 Valletta, British Malta |
| Died | August 12, 2010 (aged 79) Msida, Malta |
| Resting place | Addolorata Cemetery |
| Political party | Nationalist |
| Spouses | Violet de Marco (née Saliba; 1956–2010; his death) |
| Children | 3 |
| Signature |  |
Guido de Marco (born 22 July 1931 – died 12 August 2010) was an important Maltese politician. He served as the sixth President of Malta from 1999 to 2004.
Guido de Marco was also a President of the United Nations General Assembly in 1990. He was a well-known lawyer. His death in 2010 was a sad event for Malta. The country held three days of national mourning and a state funeral.
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Early Life and Family
Guido de Marco was born in Valletta, Malta. His parents were Emanuele and Giovanna de Marco. He went to St. Joseph High School and St. Aloysius' College. Later, he studied at the University of Malta. He earned a degree in Philosophy, Economics, and Italian in 1952. In 1955, he became a lawyer.
De Marco met his future wife, Violet Saliba, when they were students. They married in 1956. They had three children: Giannella, Fiorella, and Mario. Mario de Marco later became a politician too. He said his father was a loving family man.
Guido de Marco's Political Journey
In 1962, Guido de Marco started his political career. He left his job as a lawyer to run in an election. He dedicated much of his life to the Nationalist Party and Malta. He also taught criminal law at the University of Malta.
He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1966. He was re-elected in every election until 1998. In 1972, he became the secretary general of the Nationalist Party. He was also the party's deputy leader from 1977.
Key Roles as Minister
Guido de Marco held several important government jobs. As Minister for the Interior and Justice, he helped make Malta's laws stronger. He also improved the Police Force and helped create the Police Academy.
As Minister for Foreign Affairs, he took a big step for Malta. On 16 July 1990, he officially applied for Malta to join the European Communities. This was a major goal for Malta. He also worked to strengthen Malta's relationships with international groups. These included the United Nations and the Council of Europe. In 1990, he served as President of the United Nations General Assembly.
Presidency of Malta
On 4 April 1999, Guido de Marco became the President of Malta. This was a very important role. During his time as President, Malta joined the European Union in 2004. This was a historic moment for the country.
In 2004, he received an honorary doctor degree from St. Petersburg State University. This was for his achievements in politics and his efforts to help Malta join the EU.
Later Life and Passing
In August 2010, Guido de Marco had a heart procedure. He was very ill for a while but seemed to be getting better. He was even discharged from the hospital.
However, on 12 August 2010, he collapsed at home and was rushed back to the hospital. He sadly passed away there. His death was a shock to the nation. The government declared three days of national mourning. A state funeral was held on August 16, 2010.
Many leaders shared their sadness. The Maltese Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said Malta lost a very important politician. He praised de Marco's role in Malta's independence and democracy. The President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, called him a "highly respected politician."
His funeral was attended by many important people from Malta and other countries.
Honours and Awards
Guido de Marco received many honours during his life.
National Honours
Malta : Companion of Honour of the National Order of Merit (This honour is given to Presidents of Malta).
Foreign Honours
Estonia : Collar of the Order of the White Star- Estonia : Collar of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana
Latvia : Order of the Three Stars, 1st Class
Spain : Order of Isabella the Catholic, Grand Cross
See also
In Spanish: Guido de Marco para niños
