Peter Caruana
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Peter Richard Caruana (born October 15, 1956) is a Gibraltarian politician, and has been Chief Minister since 1996, when his party, the Gibraltar Social Democrats, first came to power. His party was re-elected to office in 2000 and 2003. He is a barrister by profession, having trained in the United Kingdom, and is also a QC.
Caruana was born in Gibraltar, his family being of Maltese descent, having come to Gibraltar in the 19th century as naval tailors, and establishing a business still trading today. He was educated in Gibraltar and in the UK. He is married to the daughter of J. J. Triay, a local barrister. In the 1960s, Triay was one of the palomos or "doves", who aroused controversy by advocating an agreement with Spain, which has a territorial claim on Gibraltar.
While in opposition, Caruana advocated dialogue with Spain, and appeared more conciliatory than the then Chief Minister, Joe Bossano, who was widely regarded as more hardline. However, as Chief Minister he has ruled out any transfer of sovereignty to Spain.
| Preceded by: Joe Bossano | Chief Minister of Gibraltar 1996– | Succeeded by: — |