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Malta: Government

Key Figures

Chief of State:
President Myriam Spiteri Debeno
Head of Government:
Prime Minister Robert Abela

Overview

Government Name:
Republic of Malta
Constitution:
Adopted: 1964; Contains information regarding the country background of Malta, a declaration of principles, citizenship, and fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual. Also outlines governmental structure and roles along with overviewing procedures in financeamd the public service.
Government Type:
Republic
Republic of Malta Flag
Coat of Arms of Republic of Malta

Index of Economic Freedom

Grades each country on a scale of 0 to 100, based on ten freedoms, with 100 representing the greatest amount of economic autonomy from government intervention. Source: Heritage Foundation (2023)

Country Risk Rating

A3
Changes in generally good but somewhat volatile political and economic environment can affect corporate payment behavior. A basically secure business environment can nonetheless give rise to occasional difficulties for companies. Corporate default probability is quite acceptable on average. Source: Coface (2022)

Government Branches

Main Powers Election Process Election Cycle 1
Executive

The president although the executive head of state, resides in all three branches of government. He is part of parliament and appoints the judiciary. The prime minister keeps the president informed on the general conduct of the government and appoints permanent secretaries.

The president is elected by parliament. The prime minister is appointed by the president.

5 years
Judicial

Courts of Appeal hear appeals from decisions of the civil and criminal actions respectively. Constitutional Court has both original and appellate jurisdiction and may perform judicial review.

Judicial Judges of superior courts are appointed by the president along with the Chief Justice of Malta

Mandatory retirement age of 65
Legislative

The II-Kamra Tad-Deputati is the constitutional legislative body of Malta.

The II-Kamra Tad-Deputati has 65 members that are elected through a single transferrable vote (STV) proportional representation.

5 years

Regional Trade Blocs
European Union

International Organization Participation [2]

Environmental Agreements [3]

Tax Information [2]

Tax Authority:
Ministry of Finance
Tax Name:
VAT

Sources:

  1. ElectionGuide http://www.electionguide.org/
  2. EY, http://www.ey.com
  3. CIA World Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
  4. U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/