The struggle for democratic government in Malta

When Malta became part of the British Empire in the early 19th century, it was governed under an autocratic system, with the Governor ruling alone. Though constitutional reforms over the next century and a half saw gradual attempts at democratisation, autocratic tendencies remained. Since independence in 1964, the archipelago has been governed by a system based on the Westminster model. Despite this, myriad factors have meant that elements of autocracy remain a central feature of Maltese politics. This chapter traces the origins of Malta’s Government from its autocratic roots, and analyses the circumstances that reflect a long-endured struggle to achieve genuinely democratic government on the islands. In so doing, the chapter engages with literature that examines the link between democracy and state-size and examines the extent to which Malta’s small size and population underpin these concerns regarding government and democracy on the islands.