Malta flagPolitics & Government Guide

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions in Malta

Malta is a parliamentary republic led by Prime Minister Robert Abela of the Labour Party since 2020, following their 2022 election victory. President Myriam Spiteri Debono serves as head of state since April 2024. The unicameral House of Representatives holds legislative power in a system dominated by the Labour and Nationalist parties.

Democracy Index

Good

Government Type

Parliamentary republic

Legal System

Mixed legal system of English common law and civil law (Napoleonic Code)

Head of State

President Myriam Spiteri Debono(since 2024)

Head of Government

Prime Minister Robert Abela(Labour Party)since 2020

Political Indicators

Democracy Index
7.69Rank #29

Scale: 0-10

Flawed democracy

Economist Intelligence Unit (2022)

Legislature

Type:unicameral
Lower House:House of Representatives (79 seats)

Major Political Parties

Labour Party(PL)

Centre-left

44 seats
Nationalist Party(PN)

Centre-right

35 seats

Voting Rights

Maltese citizens aged 16 and older can vote in national elections. EU citizens residing in Malta can vote in local and European Parliament elections.

Recent Developments

  • Labour Party re-elected with majority in March 2022 general election
  • Cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Robert Abela on 6 January 2024
  • Narrow judicial constitutional reform passed in 2024 amid opposition disagreements on broader changes
Voting Age16
SuffrageUniversal
Constitution1964
Localities68