Former PN Minister and architect Michael Falzon dies at 79

Former Nationalist Party Minister Michael Falzon has passed away.Falzon was first elected to Parliament in 1976, and was last elected in 1996. The President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono, paid tribute to Architect Michael Falzon, "who up until

By: independent.com.mt

Jan 11 2025
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Former Nationalist Party Minister Michael Falzon has passed away.

Falzon was first elected to Parliament in 1976, and was last elected in 1996.

The President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono, paid tribute to Architect Michael Falzon, "who up until his passing remained active as an opinionist." She recalled that Architect Falzon served the people as a Member of Parliament and Minister and, also contributed as an official of the Nationalist Party. "After stepping away from the political scene, he was instrumental in influencing specific regulations through his profession as an architect, which proved beneficial to the construction industry."

The Nationalist Party paid tribute to the memory of Architect Michael Falzon, who passed away at the age of 79. "Michael Falzon served as a Minister in various Nationalist Governments, including as Minister for the Development of Infrastructure in the 1987 Cabinet, Minister for the Environment from 1992, and Minister for Education and Human Resources from 1994."

His involvement in politics began in the 1970s when he was appointed Secretary-General of the Moviment Żgħażagħ Partit Nazzjonalista (MŻPN) in 1974 and later International Secretary of the same Movement in 1975. Later that same year, he was elected to the PN Executive Committee and appointed Information Secretary of the PN.

"He was first elected to Parliament in 1976 through a casual election on the 10th electoral district and continued to be elected as a Member of Parliament in the 1981, 1987, and 1992 elections, where he secured his seat from two districts. Between 1998 and 2008, he served as Chairman of the Water Services Corporation, and between 1999 and 2004, he was also Information Services Manager at Media Link Communications, responsible for managing the PN's media and serving as Editorial Director of the Party's newspapers," the PN said.

He was also the editor of The Democrat and a regular contributor to various journals and newspapers, including PN's In-Nazzjon and il-Mument, and up to some time ago also The Sunday Times, and Malta Today, the PN said.

"In 2004, he also contested the European Parliament elections on behalf of the PN. He was instrumental in founding the Malta Developers Association (MDA) and served as its first President."

PN Leader Bernard Grech, on his and the PN's behalf, expressed condolences to the family and relatives of Michael Falzon.

The Labour Party also sent its sincere condolences to the family of architect Michael Falzon, "a former Minister who gave a service for the country. Prime Minister and Labour leader Robert Abela also paid tribute to the memory of Michael Falzon, who with his thoughts always used to see how wealth comes out."

"Architect Michael Falzon continued to contribute, among others, through regular writings and interventions in the media."

In a post on Facebook, Prime Minister Abela said: "Michael and I worked together on a professional level years ago when we established one of the country's largest associations. He visited me last just a few weeks ago, and we had an engaging conversation about how we envision the future of our country and ways we can improve it."

"A former Minister who served the nation. We had diverse opinions, but the respect between us never faltered. He always expressed his thoughts in a way that aimed to bring out good. I am deeply saddened by his loss."

Speaker of the House Anglu Farrugia, on his own behalf and on behalf of all MPs, expressed sorrow at the news of the passing of former Member of Parliament and Minister Michael Falzon. He paid tribute to his memory, particularly the work he carried out in the House during the 4th to 7th Legislatures between 1976 and 1996. The Speaker extended his condolences to Falzon's family.

Photo: TVM