Former President discharged from Mater Dei

An official medical bullettin issued at 1.28 pm announced that the former Head of State had been discharged after “having made a very good recovery following his recent complications”.

His medical team would continue to “monitor closely” De Marco, the official bullettin explained.

Before leaving Mater Dei Hospital, de Marco thanked all the hospital staff for “their dedication and professional care”.

He was quoted as saying that it was “thanks to the efficiency of the medical team at Mater Dei” that he was able to look forward to being with his family and the people so dear to him.

De Marco also thanked the authorities, the media, and the general public, “from all walks of life and all shades of political opinion” for the solidarity towards him and his family.

“The words of encouragement and support he received, truly strengthened his spirits and determination in the difficult moments he passed through,” de Marco concluded.

On 5 August 2010, de Marco had been admitted into Mater Dei Hospital's Intensive Therapy Unit after reportedly suffering from complications following a heart procedure.

Guido de Marco, who turned 79 on 22 July 2010, is considered to be one of Malta's most foremost politicians. He unsuccessfully contested the 1962 elections with the Democratic Nationalist Party (a splinter group of the Nationalist Party).

He subsequently joined the main party and was elected for the first time in the interests of the PN to the House of Representatives in April 1966 and was returned to Parliament at every General Election until 1998.

He was appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Justice in May 1990 and Minister of Foreign Affairs between February 1992 and October 1996.

One of his first acts as Foreign Minister was submitting Malta's application for membership of the European Communities in Brussels on July 16, 1990. On 4 April 1999, Guido de Marco was appointed President of Malta.