Lawrence Gonzi

Lawrence Gonzi (born July 1, 1953) is the prime minister of Malta. He is the leader of the Partit Nazzjonalista. He became prime minister on March 23, 2004, when Eddie Fenech Adami resigned.

Gonzi first contested in 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. On the resignation of Eddie Fenech Adami as Prime Minister Gonzi won the leadership contest held in February 2004.