Paul Boffa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paul (Pawlu) Boffa
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Statue of Paul Boffa in Castille Square, Valletta, sculpted by Vincent Apap in 1976
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| 5th Prime Minister of Malta | |
| In office 4 November 1947 – 26 September 1950 |
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| Monarch | George VI |
| Governor-General | Francis Douglas Gerald Creasy |
| Preceded by | Position re-established |
| Succeeded by | Enrico Mizzi |
| 3rd Leader of the Malta Labour Party | |
| In office 29 November 1928 – 16 October 1949 |
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| Preceded by | Michael Dundon |
| Succeeded by | Dom Mintoff |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 30 June 1890 Birgu, Malta |
| Died | 6 July 1962 (aged 72) Paola, Malta |
| Political party | Labour Party |
| Spouse | Genoveffa Cecy |
| Children | 4 |
| Alma mater | University of Malta |
| Profession |
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Sir Paul Boffa was an important Maltese politician and a medical doctor. He was born on June 30, 1890, and passed away on July 6, 1962. After World War II, when Malta gained the right to govern itself again, he became the Prime Minister.
Paul Boffa's Early Life
Paul Boffa was born in Vittoriosa on June 30, 1890. He went to school at the Lyceum. Later, he studied at the University of Malta. In 1912, he became a medical doctor.
During World War I, he worked as a doctor. He served with the Royal Medical Corps. He worked in Malta, Salonika, and on hospital ships. After the war, he opened his own medical practice in Paola.
In 1921, he married Genoveffa Cecy. They had four children: two sons and two daughters. Paul Boffa died at his home in Paola. He is buried in the All Souls Cemetery in Tarxien. In 1976, a hospital was renamed Sir Paul Boffa Hospital in his honor.
Paul Boffa's Political Career
Paul Boffa started his political journey in 1921. This was when Malta was allowed to govern itself. In 1923, he joined the Labour Party.
He was elected to the Legislative Assembly several times. This happened in 1924, 1927, and 1932. In 1927, he became the leader of the Labour Party.
In the 1927 elections, the Labour Party and the Constitutional Party worked together. This helped the Constitutional Party form a government. However, the Labour Party did not take any government jobs.
In 1932, Paul Boffa was the only Labour Party member elected. The Legislative Assembly was later closed in 1933. From 1936 to 1939, he was part of the Executive Council. He was again the only Labour representative elected in 1939.
During the Siege of Malta in World War II, Boffa helped a lot. He was a district Commissioner and a medical officer. He worked in areas like Cottonera and Paola. For his excellent service, he received the OBE award in 1941.
In November 1947, Paul Boffa reached a high point in his career. He became the first Labour Prime Minister. His government had a strong majority.
In 1949, the Labour Party had a disagreement with Britain about money. This caused the Labour Party to split. But Paul Boffa continued as Prime Minister. He then started a new party called the Malta Workers' Party. This new party lost the 1950 elections.
Boffa was elected to parliament again in 1951 and 1953. Even though he was not Prime Minister again, he joined a government with the Nationalist Party. In this government, he was in charge of Health and Social Services.
He left parliament in 1955 due to health reasons. However, he remained interested in politics. He was made the Honorary President of the Christian Workers' Party.
In 1956, Paul Boffa was made a Knight. This was to recognize his great public service. He also received several medals for his service in the wars.
Paul Boffa played a key role in many important changes. He helped make the Maltese language recognized in law courts. He also helped introduce compulsory primary education for children. He worked to bring in old-age pensions and to give women the right to vote.
See also
- Prime Minister of Malta
- List of prime ministers of Malta
