Myriam Spiteri Debono facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Myriam Spiteri Debono
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Spiteri Debono in 2024
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| 11th President of Malta | |
| Assumed office 4 April 2024 |
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| Prime Minister | Robert Abela |
| Preceded by | George Vella |
| Speaker of the House of Representatives | |
| In office 5 December 1996 – 24 October 1998 |
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| Preceded by | Lawrence Gonzi |
| Succeeded by | Anton Tabone |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Miriam Zammit
25 October 1952 Victoria, Gozo, Crown Colony of Malta |
| Political party | Labour |
| Spouse |
Anthony Spiteri Debono
(died 2025) |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | University of Malta |
| Occupation | Notary public |
Myriam Spiteri Debono was born on October 25, 1952. She is a politician from Malta. She is currently the 11th President of Malta. She is the first woman from Gozo to become President. She was also the first woman to be the Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1996 to 1998.
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Early Life and Education
Myriam Spiteri Debono was born Miriam Zammit in Victoria, Gozo. She went to school in Gozo. Later, she studied at the University of Malta. She learned about English Literature and Linguistics, finishing her studies in 1973. She also helped start the Socialist Students Union. In 1980, she became a Notary Public after studying law.
First Public Roles
Myriam Spiteri Debono had several important early jobs. She was the head of the Cooperatives Board. She also helped create the Gender Equality Commission. This group works to make sure everyone is treated fairly.
Political Journey
She ran for election five times with the Malta Labour Party. These elections were in 1981, 1987, 1992, 1996, and 2003. However, she was never elected as a member of parliament. In 1982, she was chosen to be part of the party's main leadership team. She also worked as the party's propaganda secretary.
From 1993 to 1996, Spiteri Debono led the women's section of the Malta Labour Party.
In September 1996, she became the Speaker of the House of Representatives. This was a big step because she was the first woman to hold this important role in Malta. Alfred Sant, who was the Prime Minister then, appointed her. She served until October 1998, when Anton Tabone took over.
In January 2023, she was asked to consider a role as Standards Commissioner. This idea came from the Nationalist Party. However, she decided not to take the job. She felt it was not the right fit for her.
Becoming President
On March 21, 2024, news reports said she was likely to become the next President of Malta. A week later, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition confirmed this.
Election and Inauguration
On March 27, 2024, Malta's House of Representatives voted. They all agreed to elect Myriam Spiteri Debono as the 11th President of Malta. This election was special. It was the first time a president was chosen using new rules from 2020. These rules require two-thirds of the parliament to agree on the person.
Myriam Spiteri Debono is the third woman to be President of Malta. The other two were Agatha Barbara and Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca. She is also the third person from Gozo to hold this office. The others were Anton Buttigieg and Ċensu Tabone.
She officially started her role as President on April 4, 2024.
Personal Habits
When she became President, she shared something interesting about herself. She said she is a "technophobe." This means she doesn't really like or use modern technology much. She uses a flip phone. She prefers to tell an assistant what to write for her letters. Her husband handles her emails.
Personal Life
Myriam Spiteri Debono lived most of her adult life in Birkirkara, Malta. She was married to Anthony Spiteri Debono, who was also a notary. Sadly, her husband passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 78. They had three children together. They also have four grandchildren.
Honours
National Honours
See also
In Spanish: Myriam Spiteri Debono para niños
