President of Malta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids President of MaltaPresident ta' Malta |
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Presidential standard
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Coat of arms of the Republic of Malta
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| Style | Her Excellency |
| Residence | San Anton Palace |
| Appointer | House of Representatives |
| Term length | Five years |
| Inaugural holder | Sir Anthony Mamo |
| Formation | 13 December 1974 |
| Succession | Line of succession |
| Salary | €71,033 annually |
| Website | https://president.gov.mt/ |
The President of Malta (Maltese: President ta' Malta) is the official head of state for the country of Malta. Think of them as the main representative of the nation. The President is chosen by the House of Representatives of Malta, which is Malta's parliament. They serve in this important role for five years. Before starting their job, they must promise to "preserve, protect and defend" the Constitution of Malta.
The President of Malta has a role in all three main parts of the government. They are part of the Parliament and help choose judges. While the President has important powers, the Prime Minister usually carries out the daily running of the country.
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When Did the President's Role Start?
The job of the President of Malta began on 13 December 1974. This was when Malta became a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations. Before this, Queen Elizabeth II was the head of state and the Queen of Malta (Maltese: Reġina ta' Malta). The last governor-general, Sir Anthony Mamo, became the very first President of Malta.
Who Can Be President?
To become President, a person must meet certain requirements. A person cannot be appointed President if:
- They are not a citizen of Malta.
- They currently hold or have held the job of chief justice or another judge in the higher courts.
- They are not allowed to hold any public office according to specific rules in the Constitution.
Starting the Job: The Oath
Before someone can officially become President, they must take an oath. This oath is a special promise made in front of the House of Representatives of Malta.
The oath says: I, (name of nominee), solemnly swear/affirm that I will faithfully execute the office of President (perform the functions of the President) of Malta, and will, to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of Malta. (So help me God).
What Does the President Do?
The President has many important duties and powers. Here are some of them:
- The President officially announces new laws.
- The President can end the term of the House of Representatives of Malta. This happens if the prime minister of Malta asks for it, or if the government loses a vote of no confidence.
- The President chooses the Prime Minister. They make this decision based on the situation in the Maltese parliament.
- The President names most members of important government bodies, with the Prime Minister's agreement.
- The President welcomes ambassadors from other countries.
- The President can grant a pardon to people who have been found guilty of crimes. This means they can forgive a crime or make a sentence less severe. This is done based on advice from the Cabinet.
- The President is the head of the Commission for the Administration of Justice of Malta. This group helps manage the courts.
- The President is also the head of Malta's official honors system.
- The President leads the Malta Community Chest Fund. This is a charity that helps people and other charities. The President's spouse is the deputy leader.
- The President approves the use of honors, awards, and decorations in Malta. No noble title or award can be used in Malta unless the President approves it.
A book called Il-Manwal tal-President tar-Repubblika (The Manual of the President of the Republic) explains the President's role in more detail. It was written by former President Ugo Mifsud Bonnici.
Where Does the President Live and Work?
The main office for the President is the Grandmaster's Palace in Valletta. Other official homes for the President include:
- San Anton Palace in Attard – This is an official residence and often used as an office.
- Verdala Palace in Buskett – This is used as a summer residence.
The President's Flag
Before 12 December 1988, the Presidents of Malta used the national flag as their special presidential flag. Then, a new proclamation created a unique presidential flag for Malta. This flag is flown at the President's official homes and offices. It is also displayed whenever the President is present at an event.
How Does a President's Term End?
The President's job can become vacant in a few ways:
- If the President decides to resign from their office.
- After five years from the day they were appointed.
- If the House of Representatives of Malta votes by a two-thirds majority to remove the President. This can happen if the President is unable to do their job (due to health or other reasons) or for misbehavior.
- If the President dies while in office.
See also
