Early Life and Education: Mintoff was born on August 6, 1916, in Cospicua, Malta, one of the “Three Cities” near the Grand Harbour. He was the youngest of eleven children in a large family. His father, Lawrence Mintoff, worked as a cook in the British Royal Navy, while his mother, Concetta Sant, stayed at home to care for the children. Even though they didn’t have much money, his family believed in education. Dom Mintoff went to the Lyceum, a prestigious school in Malta, and then to the University of Malta, where he studied civil engineering and architecture.
In the late 1930s, Mintoff won a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Hertford College, Oxford, in the United Kingdom. While in Britain, he got interested in politics and joined the British Labour Party. This experience influenced his later work in Malta’s politics.
Climbing the Political Ladder: Mintoff started his political career in the early 1940s by joining the Malta Labour Party (MLP). He quickly became a key player, becoming the party’s Deputy Leader in 1945. By 1947, he was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Reconstruction, a role where he could start implementing his ideas for change.
His first term as Prime Minister, from 1955 to 1958, was both ambitious and challenging. Mintoff wanted to make big changes, such as pushing for Malta to become more connected with the United Kingdom and introducing new social policies. However, his aggressive approach caused disagreements, leading to his resignation in 1958 and a major split in the Labour Party.
Mintoff spent the next few years thinking about his next move. He returned to power in 1971, beginning a new chapter in Maltese politics. His second term, which lasted until 1984, was full of significant changes. He expanded social services, made education more accessible, and improved healthcare. His government also turned Malta into a republic in 1974, and he negotiated the end of British military presence on the island by 1979, making Malta truly independent.
Personal Life and Legacy: Mintoff married Moira de Giovanni in 1947, and they had two daughters, Yana and Anne. Even though he was very busy with politics, Mintoff always found time for his family. He enjoyed spending time at his home in Tarxien, gardening and relaxing with his family.
Mintoff’s legacy is complicated. While some people criticize him for his strong-handed style and his confrontational attitude, others see him as a hero who fought for Malta’s independence and improved the lives of many people. His influence on Malta’s political landscape is undeniable, and he is remembered for making Malta a more independent and socially conscious country.
Real Name: Dominic Mintoff
Date of Birth: August 6, 1916
Birth Place: Cospicua, Malta
Residence: Malta (various locations, including his family home in Tarxien)
Profession: Politician, Civil Engineer
Nationality: Maltese
Religion: Roman Catholic
Partner: Moira de Giovanni (married in 1947, until her death in 1986)
Father: Lawrence Mintoff
Mother: Concetta Sant
Horoscope: Leo
Age: 96 (at the time of his death)
Weight: Approx. 70 kg (fluctuated during his lifetime)
Height: Approx. 5′ 8″ (172 cm)
Body Type: Slim/Athletic
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Dark Brown (graying with age)