From Mintoff to Muscat: the role of the Prime Minister in Malta’s foreign relations

Abstract

Academic work pertaining to politics in Malta has long been perceived an anathema. Out of fear of prejudice, many Maltese scholars have been hesitant to produce academic works on Maltese politics and its major stakeholders, that is, the politician. This dissertation is thus an attempt to break this taboo and encourage other students and scholars to engage in more academic work in Maltese politics in an unbiased manner which enables others to understand the mechanism of Maltese politics. This dissertation is entitled ‘The Role of the Prime Minister in Malta’s Foreign Relations’, and the aim behind this research project is to examine and establish how the role of the Prime Minister changed, evolved and shifted from 1971 to 2016, hence, ‘From Mintoff to Muscat’. This study further aims to comprehend whether the role of the Foreign Affairs Minister has become obsolete since Prime Ministers and heads of government have been known to take over the scene from their Foreign Affairs Ministers. Finally, this dissertation endeavours to study any future prospects should Simon Busuttil take the helm as Maltese Prime Minister in the probably upcoming 2018 general elections.