| Maltese Labour politician Date of Birth: 07.12.1958 Country: Malta |
Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca: Trailblazing Maltese Politician and Former President
Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, a prominent Maltese Labour Party politician, served as the President of Malta from 2014 to 2019, making history as the first woman to hold that position.
Born in 1958 in the Maltese town of Qormi, pre-independence Malta, Coleiro Preca graduated from the University of Malta.
Her political journey began in 1982 when she became the first female General Secretary of the Labour Party, a position she held until 1991. She also served as a member of the Socialist Youth National Bureau, the Labour Party Women's Section Chairperson (1996-2001), and publisher of the party newspaper, Il-Ħelsien.
Coleiro Preca was elected to the Maltese Parliament in 1998 and successfully retained her seat in subsequent elections. When Alfred Sant resigned as Labour Party leader, she contested the position but was unsuccessful.
In 2013, Coleiro Preca was appointed Minister for Family and Social Solidarity in Joseph Muscat's government. In March 2014, she was nominated by the Prime Minister as the candidate for President of Malta and was subsequently approved by Parliament.
As President, Coleiro Preca made a lasting impact on Maltese society, focusing on social justice, environmental protection, and promoting national unity. She hosted numerous national events and received visiting dignitaries, representing Malta's interests on the international stage.
Upon completing her term as President, Coleiro Preca remains an active figure in public life. She is involved in various charitable organizations and continues to advocate for the well-being of all Maltese citizens.