Guido de Marco
Encyclopedia
Guido de Marco was a Maltese politician
, who served as the sixth President of Malta
from 1999 to 2004. A noted statesman and lawmaker, de Marco also served as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Interior, Justice, and Minister for Foreign Affairs.
He is widely regarded as one of the great political leaders of Malta
, being instrumental in the country's accession to the European Union
. De Marco was elected President
of the 45th session of the United Nations General Assembly
in 1990, and Chairman of the Commonwealth Foundation in 2004. As a renowned criminal lawyer, De Marco defended some of the landmark cases in Malta during the 1980s.
His sudden death in 2010 shocked the nation and prompted three days of national mourning and a state funeral
.
on July 22, 1931, the son of Emanuele and Giovanna née Raniolo. He was educated at St. Joseph High School, St. Aloysius' College and the University of Malta
. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts
degree in Philosophy
, Economics
and Italian
in 1952, becoming a Doctor of Laws in 1955.
De Marco was married to Violet née Saliba. The couple had three children, Giannella, Fiorella and Mario
. Mario, who served as parliamentary secretary for tourism at the time of his father's death, said he was a family man who devoted time to his children and grandchildren.
and Maltese cause. He also became a lecturer, and later a professor of criminal law at the University of Malta.
His political career began with his election to the House of Representatives
in 1966. De Marco was returned to Parliament at every general election he contested up to 1998. He was appointed secretary general of the Nationalist party in 1972 and became the party's deputy leader in 1977.
De Marco was also elected as a representative at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe of 1967
, remaining a member for almost twenty years.
During his career as Minister for the Interior and Justice, De Marco's efforts led to the integration into domestic law of important international conventions, particularly the European Convention on Human Rights. As Minister for the Interior, he pioneered the reforms and modernisations in the Police Force, being instrumental in the founding of the Police Academy.
As Minister for Foreign Affairs he submitted Malta's application for membership of the European Communities. It was one of his first acts as Minister for Foreign Affairs, occurring on July 16, 1990. He was also the major player in the consolidation of Malta's contributions to international organisations, including the United Nations
, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe
and the Commonwealth of Nations
. In 1990 he also served as President of the United Nations General Assembly
.
. He led his country into the European Union
in 2004.
He became an honorary doctor at St. Petersburg State University in 2004 "for achievements in science and politics, in particular, for his efforts to integrate Malta into the EU."
to widen an obstructed heart artery
. The intervention developed complications which led him to a critical, but stable condition. A series of medical bulletins were issued immediately by the medical team at Mater Dei Hospital
, stating that De Marco was responding to treatment and showing signs of improvement. His condition continued to improve by the hour, to the extent of being taken off life-support machines
.
On August 10, 2010, he was discharged from Mater Dei Hospital, but was kept monitored closely by the medical team. Before leaving the hospital, De Marco personally thanked the medical staff, as well as the authorities, the media, and the public for the solidarity towards him and his family.
On August 12, 2010, Demarco gave an exclusive interview with Maltese newspaper The Times of Malta
, in which he said: "When I came round from the coma I no longer felt I was going to die. I felt I was going to remain. I'm here to stay ... for now at least."
However, in the afternoon, Demarco was rushed to Mater Dei Hospital once more, after collapsing in his home in Sliema
. He died almost immediately after. His death took place at the Mater Dei Hospital. The news of his death shocked the nation, which was at the moment relieved with the previous improvement in his condition. The government declared three days of national mourning. A state funeral was held on Monday, August 16, 2010.
Messages of solidarity and expressions of sorrow were issued immediately by the President of the Republic, the Nationalist Party, the Labour Party, as well as from other entities and the diplomatic corps. The Maltese prime minister
Lawrence Gonzi
, interrupted his vacation to return to the island. Gonzi declared that "Malta lost one of the most prominent politicians in recent times. He was fundamental for the country's independence, contributed to strengthening democracy, served very important roles in strengthening our country's international relations and occupied important roles in the United Nations. His Presidency has united the country." Opposition leader Joseph Muscat
called the death "a national loss." Edward Fenech Adami, De Marco's successor as President of Malta, was said to be "shaken" by the news, hailing De Marco as "a protagonist in the past forty to fifty years of Maltese history." Fenech Adami's successor, George Abela
, President of Malta at the time of Demarco's death, added that "Academically, [Guido Demarco] definitely excelled," calling him a "jovial person...[who]...sang along throughout the recent Joseph Calleja
concert." Abela expressed his condolences personally to the De Marco family at Mater Dei Hospital.
Tributes flowed into Malta from abroad. President of the European Parliament
Jerzy Buzek
called him "a highly respected politician and statesman ... who was deeply respected all over Europe." Former Libyan ambassador to Malta Saad Elshlmani said "On a personal level he was more than just a friend," adding that "people in the Middle East will remember him for his great attachment to the issues of tolerance, cooperation and friendship." United States ambassador Douglas Kmiec
also issued a statement: "His tenure as President of the United Nations General Assembly, and his skill and perseverance in guiding Malta to EU membership are great tributes to his statesmanship."
His funeral took place on Monday, August 16, 2010. His funeral was attended by several dignitaries, including Kuwaiti Prime Minister Nasser Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, the widow of Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat
, Suha Arafat
, Italian Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs, Vincenzo Scotti
, and several ambassadors.
Politics of Malta
The politics of Malta takes place within a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Malta is the constitutional head of state. Executive Authority is vested in the President of Malta with the general direction and control of the Government of Malta...
, who served as the sixth President of Malta
President of Malta
The President of Malta is the constitutional head of state of Malta.The President is appointed by a resolution of the House of Representatives of Malta for a five year term, taking an oath to "preserve, protect and defend" the Constitution....
from 1999 to 2004. A noted statesman and lawmaker, de Marco also served as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Interior, Justice, and Minister for Foreign Affairs.
He is widely regarded as one of the great political leaders of Malta
Malta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
, being instrumental in the country's accession to the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
. De Marco was elected President
President of the United Nations General Assembly
The President of the United Nations General Assembly is a position voted for by representatives in the United Nations General Assembly on a yearly basis.- Election :...
of the 45th session of the United Nations General Assembly
United Nations General Assembly
For two articles dealing with membership in the General Assembly, see:* General Assembly members* General Assembly observersThe United Nations General Assembly is one of the five principal organs of the United Nations and the only one in which all member nations have equal representation...
in 1990, and Chairman of the Commonwealth Foundation in 2004. As a renowned criminal lawyer, De Marco defended some of the landmark cases in Malta during the 1980s.
His sudden death in 2010 shocked the nation and prompted three days of national mourning and a state funeral
State funeral
A state funeral is a public funeral ceremony, observing the strict rules of protocol, held to honor heads of state or other important people of national significance. State funerals usually include much pomp and ceremony as well as religious overtones and distinctive elements of military tradition...
.
Early life and family
Guido Demarco was born in VallettaValletta
Valletta is the capital of Malta, colloquially known as Il-Belt in Maltese. It is located in the central-eastern portion of the island of Malta, and the historical city has a population of 6,098. The name "Valletta" is traditionally reserved for the historic walled citadel that serves as Malta's...
on July 22, 1931, the son of Emanuele and Giovanna née Raniolo. He was educated at St. Joseph High School, St. Aloysius' College and the University of Malta
University of Malta
The University of Malta is the highest educational institution in Malta Europe and is one of the most respected universities in Europe. The University offers undergraduate Bachelor's Degrees, postgraduate Master's Degrees and postgraduate Doctorates .-History:The University of Malta was founded in...
. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
degree in Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
, Economics
Economics
Economics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek from + , hence "rules of the house"...
and Italian
Italian language
Italian is a Romance language spoken mainly in Europe: Italy, Switzerland, San Marino, Vatican City, by minorities in Malta, Monaco, Croatia, Slovenia, France, Libya, Eritrea, and Somalia, and by immigrant communities in the Americas and Australia...
in 1952, becoming a Doctor of Laws in 1955.
De Marco was married to Violet née Saliba. The couple had three children, Giannella, Fiorella and Mario
Mario de Marco
Mario de Marco is a Maltese politician and academic. He is the son of former President Guido de Marco.-Academic career:...
. Mario, who served as parliamentary secretary for tourism at the time of his father's death, said he was a family man who devoted time to his children and grandchildren.
Political career
In 1962, Demarco resigned his position at the Attorney General's Office, entering the political arena - later to contest a general election. The successful criminal lawyer would henceforth dedicate much of his life to the NationalistNationalist Party (Malta)
The Nationalist Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in Malta, along with the Labour Party. It was founded by Fortunato Mizzi in 1880 as the Anti-Reform Party, opposing taxation decreed by the British colonial authorities and measures to Anglicise the educational and the...
and Maltese cause. He also became a lecturer, and later a professor of criminal law at the University of Malta.
His political career began with his election to the House of Representatives
House of Representatives of Malta
The House of Representatives is the unicameral legislature of Malta and a component of the Parliament of Malta.The House is composed of an odd number of members elected for a five year term...
in 1966. De Marco was returned to Parliament at every general election he contested up to 1998. He was appointed secretary general of the Nationalist party in 1972 and became the party's deputy leader in 1977.
De Marco was also elected as a representative at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe of 1967
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe , which held its first session in Strasbourg on 10 August 1949, can be considered the oldest international parliamentary assembly with a pluralistic composition of democratically elected members of parliament established on the basis of an...
, remaining a member for almost twenty years.
During his career as Minister for the Interior and Justice, De Marco's efforts led to the integration into domestic law of important international conventions, particularly the European Convention on Human Rights. As Minister for the Interior, he pioneered the reforms and modernisations in the Police Force, being instrumental in the founding of the Police Academy.
As Minister for Foreign Affairs he submitted Malta's application for membership of the European Communities. It was one of his first acts as Minister for Foreign Affairs, occurring on July 16, 1990. He was also the major player in the consolidation of Malta's contributions to international organisations, including the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe
Council of Europe
The Council of Europe is an international organisation promoting co-operation between all countries of Europe in the areas of legal standards, human rights, democratic development, the rule of law and cultural co-operation...
and the Commonwealth of Nations
Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth of Nations, normally referred to as the Commonwealth and formerly known as the British Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states...
. In 1990 he also served as President of the United Nations General Assembly
United Nations General Assembly
For two articles dealing with membership in the General Assembly, see:* General Assembly members* General Assembly observersThe United Nations General Assembly is one of the five principal organs of the United Nations and the only one in which all member nations have equal representation...
.
Presidency
On 4 April 1999, Demarco was appointed President of MaltaPresident of Malta
The President of Malta is the constitutional head of state of Malta.The President is appointed by a resolution of the House of Representatives of Malta for a five year term, taking an oath to "preserve, protect and defend" the Constitution....
. He led his country into the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
in 2004.
He became an honorary doctor at St. Petersburg State University in 2004 "for achievements in science and politics, in particular, for his efforts to integrate Malta into the EU."
Declining health and death
On August 5, 2010, Professor de Marco underwent an angioplastyAngioplasty
Angioplasty is the technique of mechanically widening a narrowed or obstructed blood vessel, the latter typically being a result of atherosclerosis. An empty and collapsed balloon on a guide wire, known as a balloon catheter, is passed into the narrowed locations and then inflated to a fixed size...
to widen an obstructed heart artery
Coronary circulation
Coronary circulation is the circulation of blood in the blood vessels of the heart muscle . The vessels that deliver oxygen-rich blood to the myocardium are known as coronary arteries...
. The intervention developed complications which led him to a critical, but stable condition. A series of medical bulletins were issued immediately by the medical team at Mater Dei Hospital
Mater Dei Hospital
Mater Dei Hospital is a state of the art public hospital in Msida, Malta. It opened its doors to the public for the first time on 29 June 2007. The 250,000 sqm complex includes 825 beds and 25 operating theaters. It was designed and built by the Swedish construction firm Skanska Malta JV...
, stating that De Marco was responding to treatment and showing signs of improvement. His condition continued to improve by the hour, to the extent of being taken off life-support machines
Life support system
In human spaceflight, a life support system is a group of devices that allow a human being to survive in space.US government space agency NASA,and private spaceflight companies...
.
On August 10, 2010, he was discharged from Mater Dei Hospital, but was kept monitored closely by the medical team. Before leaving the hospital, De Marco personally thanked the medical staff, as well as the authorities, the media, and the public for the solidarity towards him and his family.
On August 12, 2010, Demarco gave an exclusive interview with Maltese newspaper The Times of Malta
The Times of Malta
The Times is a national newspaper published daily in Malta. Founded in 1935, it is the oldest daily newspaper still in circulation. It has the widest circulation and is seen as the daily newspaper of "reference" of the Maltese press...
, in which he said: "When I came round from the coma I no longer felt I was going to die. I felt I was going to remain. I'm here to stay ... for now at least."
However, in the afternoon, Demarco was rushed to Mater Dei Hospital once more, after collapsing in his home in Sliema
Sliema
Tas-Sliema is a city located on the northeast coast of Malta. It is a centre for shopping, restaurants and café life. Tas-Sliema is also a major commercial and residential area and houses several of Malta's most modern hotels. Tas-Sliema, which means 'peace, comfort', was once a quiet fishing...
. He died almost immediately after. His death took place at the Mater Dei Hospital. The news of his death shocked the nation, which was at the moment relieved with the previous improvement in his condition. The government declared three days of national mourning. A state funeral was held on Monday, August 16, 2010.
Messages of solidarity and expressions of sorrow were issued immediately by the President of the Republic, the Nationalist Party, the Labour Party, as well as from other entities and the diplomatic corps. The Maltese prime minister
Prime Minister of Malta
The Prime Minister of Malta is the Head of Government of Malta.-Establishment of the office and developments:The office of "Head of Ministry" was created as soon as Malta was granted autonomous government in 1921. The 1921 constitution was suspended twice before being revoked...
Lawrence Gonzi
Lawrence Gonzi
Lawrence Gonzi is a Maltese politician who has been Prime Minister of Malta since 2004. He was Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malta from 1988 to 1996, Minister of Social Policy from 1998 to 1999, and Deputy Prime Minister from 1999 to 2004...
, interrupted his vacation to return to the island. Gonzi declared that "Malta lost one of the most prominent politicians in recent times. He was fundamental for the country's independence, contributed to strengthening democracy, served very important roles in strengthening our country's international relations and occupied important roles in the United Nations. His Presidency has united the country." Opposition leader Joseph Muscat
Joseph Muscat
Joseph Muscat is a Maltese politician who has been leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives of Malta since 2008.- Education :...
called the death "a national loss." Edward Fenech Adami, De Marco's successor as President of Malta, was said to be "shaken" by the news, hailing De Marco as "a protagonist in the past forty to fifty years of Maltese history." Fenech Adami's successor, George Abela
George Abela
George Abela is a Maltese politician who has been President of Malta since April 2009.-Early life:Abela was born in Qormi, Malta, to George and Ludgarda née Debono. He attended the local primary school in Qormi, and the Lyceum in Hamrun. In 1965 he enrolled in the University of Malta, where he...
, President of Malta at the time of Demarco's death, added that "Academically, [Guido Demarco] definitely excelled," calling him a "jovial person...[who]...sang along throughout the recent Joseph Calleja
Joseph Calleja
Joseph Calleja, , is a Maltese tenor. He began singing at the age of 16 and, having been discovered by Paul Asciak, continued his studies with him. At 19, he made his operatic debut as Macduff in Verdi's Macbeth at Astra Theatre in Gozo and went on to become a prize winner at the Belvedere Hans...
concert." Abela expressed his condolences personally to the De Marco family at Mater Dei Hospital.
Tributes flowed into Malta from abroad. President of the European Parliament
President of the European Parliament
The President of the European Parliament presides over the debates and activities of the European Parliament. He or she also represents the Parliament within the EU and internationally. The President's signature is required for enacting most EU laws and the EU budget.Presidents serve...
Jerzy Buzek
Jerzy Buzek
Jerzy Karol Buzek is a Polish engineer, academic lecturer and politician who was the ninth post-Cold War Prime Minister of Poland from 1997 to 2001...
called him "a highly respected politician and statesman ... who was deeply respected all over Europe." Former Libyan ambassador to Malta Saad Elshlmani said "On a personal level he was more than just a friend," adding that "people in the Middle East will remember him for his great attachment to the issues of tolerance, cooperation and friendship." United States ambassador Douglas Kmiec
Douglas Kmiec
Douglas W. Kmiec is an American legal scholar, author, and former U.S. ambassador. He is the Caruso Family Chair and Professor of Constitutional Law at Pepperdine University School of Law. Kmiec came to prominence during the United States presidential election, 2008 when, although a Republican, he...
also issued a statement: "His tenure as President of the United Nations General Assembly, and his skill and perseverance in guiding Malta to EU membership are great tributes to his statesmanship."
His funeral took place on Monday, August 16, 2010. His funeral was attended by several dignitaries, including Kuwaiti Prime Minister Nasser Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, the widow of Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat
Yasser Arafat
Mohammed Yasser Abdel Rahman Abdel Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini , popularly known as Yasser Arafat or by his kunya Abu Ammar , was a Palestinian leader and a Laureate of the Nobel Prize. He was Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization , President of the Palestinian National Authority...
, Suha Arafat
Suha Arafat
Suha Arafat , née Suha Daoud Tawil , is the widow of former Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat.-Early life:...
, Italian Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs, Vincenzo Scotti
Vincenzo Scotti
Vincenzo Scotti is an Italian politician and member of Christian Democracy . He was Minister of the Interior and Minister of Foreign Affairs.-Biography:...
, and several ambassadors.
External links
- Guido de Marco passes away: Lawyer, minister, president and family man – The Malta IndependentThe Malta Independent-External links:*...
- Guido de Marco passes away: A tribute to a great politician – The Malta Independent
- Guido de Marco passes away: Malta mourns outstanding statesman – The Malta Independent
- A celebration for Guido de Marco – The Times of MaltaThe Times of MaltaThe Times is a national newspaper published daily in Malta. Founded in 1935, it is the oldest daily newspaper still in circulation. It has the widest circulation and is seen as the daily newspaper of "reference" of the Maltese press...
- Lifetime of service to the nation – The Times of Malta
- A political giant – The Times of Malta
- Farewell to a great man – The Times of Malta