Francis Zammit Dimech has passed away on Monday (today), at the age of 70.

Dr Zammit Dimech was first elected to Parliament in the name of the Nationalist Party in 1987, and from then on served in various roles, including as Minister and Parliamentary Secretary across different sectors.

He was also elected as a Member of the European Parliament representing the same political party and later served as Secretary General of the party and Chairman of NET Media.

He “will be remembered for his extraordinary loyalty to the country and to the Nationalist party among other qualities,” wrote the party in a statement.

In the past year, he also served as Acting President of the Republic.

Tributes quickly started pouring in for Dr Zammit Dimech. President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola wrote: “I will always remember his honesty, seriousness, and integrity as a deputy, minister, and secretary general for the Nationalist Party. He lived his life in politics and people loved him because they always saw how genuine he was.”

Prime Minister of Malta Robert Abela wrote that Dr Zammit Dimech was a gentleman, strong in his arguments, but gentle and respectful in his manners and behaviour.

Leader of the Opposition of Malta Bernard Grech also took to Facebook to say a few words about Dr Zammit Dimech. He “served with great loyalty in every role he was entrusted with. He was always ready to help you and give you advice without ever interfering," he wrote.