Messages of solidarity and expressions of sorrow were issued immediately by the President of the Republic, the Nationalist Party, the Labour Party, as well as from other entities and the diplomatic corps. The Maltese prime minister Lawrence Gonzi, interrupted his vacation to return to the island. Gonzi declared that "Malta lost one of the most prominent politicians in recent times. He was fundamental for the country's independence, contributed to strengthening democracy, served very important roles in strengthening our country's international relations and occupied important roles in the United Nations. His Presidency has united the country." Opposition leader Joseph Muscat called the death "a national loss." Edward Fenech Adami, De Marco's successor as President of Malta, was said to be "shaken" by the news, hailing De Marco as "a protagonist in the past forty to fifty years of Maltese history." Fenech Adami's successor, George Abela, President of Malta at the time of de Marco's death, added that "Academically, de Marco definitely excelled," calling him a "jovial person...sang along throughout the recent Joseph Calleja concert." Abela expressed his condolences personally to the De Marco family at Mater Dei Hospital.