Lawrence Gonzi

Lawrence Gonzi (born July 1, 1953) is the prime minister and the finance minister of Malta. He is the leader of the Partit Nazzjonalista, the Christian Democratic Party. He became prime minister on March 23, 2004, following the resignation of Eddie Fenech Adami.

Gonzi first contested the 1987 elections unsuccessfully with the Partit Nazzjonalista. He was appointed Speaker of the House in 1988 and in 1992 was re-appointed with a unanimous vote. Gonzi contested the general elections again in 1996 and this time he was successful. As an Opposition MP he served as Shadow Minister for Social Policy, Secretary of the Nationalist Parliamentary Group, Party Whip and later General Secretary of the Party.

In 1998 and 2003 he was returned again and served as Minister for Social Policy, Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the House. Following the resignation of Eddie Fenech Adami as Prime Minister and party leader, Gonzi won the leadership contest held in February 2004. He was appointed Prime Minister shortly afterwards.