From monarchy to republic : the constitutional reforms of 1974

Abstract

The Republic's acquisition is a milestone in Maltese political an constitutional history. It is more than that; it is the culmination of decades of political history, and manifestations of ideology, self-preservation, nationalism, and symbolism. This dissertation will attempt to explain the constitutional reforms and the republic's acquisition during the eventful years between 1971 and 1974. It will attempt to highlight the nature of the proposed reforms, and the aspirations of both the Malta Labour Party in government and the Nationalist Party in opposition. In the case of the latter, the Party was not speaking in the same voice, but was divided over the consitutional issue; a division which emerged for all to see in December 1974. I would like to thank my dissertation supervisor Prof. Dominic Fenech, the library staff at the Biblotheca, Melitensia staff at the University of Malta, friends and colleagues, and family members, for their patience and support.