Owen Bonnici is the Minister for Accommodation and Lands.
Born in Żejtun, he is the youngest of two siblings.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Legal and Humanistic Studies (European Studies) in 2001 and obtained a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) from the University of Malta in 2004. In 2005, he furthered his studies by earning a Diploma in Canonical Jurisprudence from the Metropolitan Ecclesiastical Tribunal.
Before entering full-time politics, Dr Bonnici practised as a lawyer in private practice and served as a Teaching Associate within the Faculty of Laws at the University of Malta.
His political career began at local government level, where he served as a Councillor and later Deputy Mayor of Marsaskala. He was also elected on several occasions to the National Executive of the Labour Party.
Dr Bonnici was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2008 at the age of 27. On the very day of that general election, he also became a father for the first time with the birth of his daughter, Ema.
Between 2008 and 2013, he served as the Opposition Spokesperson for Youth and Culture, and later for Higher Education, the University, and Research. Following the election of a Labour Government in 2013, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Justice. Between 2014 and 2017, he served as Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government.
Following his re-election in 2017, Dr Bonnici was reappointed Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government. In 2020, he was appointed Minister for Education and Employment. He was subsequently entrusted with responsibility for Research, Innovation and the Coordination of the Post-COVID-19 Strategy. On 26 March 2021, he was also assigned responsibility for Equality, in addition to his existing portfolio.
In the 2022 general election, Dr Bonnici was elected from both districts he contested and, on 30 March, was appointed Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government. Responsibility for Lands was later added to his portfolio.
Following the 2026 general election, Dr Bonnici was re-elected to Parliament for the fifth consecutive time and was appointed Minister for the fourth successive Government. He currently serves as Minister for Accommodation and Lands.
Throughout his parliamentary career, Dr Bonnici has also served as Leader of the House of Representatives and on several occasions as Acting Prime Minister.
Outside politics, Dr Bonnici is a passionate football supporter of Southampton FC. He also enjoys reading, music, the arts, and culture.