Tributes have been flooding Maltese social media after the death of former PN MP Francis Zammit Dimech.

His death was announced Monday afternoon by Nationalist Party leader Bernard Grech, following his long battle with cancer.

Colleagues and political adversaries have published their own personal tributes Francis, as he was known to one and all.

The President of the Republic of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono, also paid tribute to the long-time politician. She noted that he "dedicated his life to the public service," representing Malta at a national and European level. President Spiteri Debono remarked that throughout his professional and political career, Zammit Dimech "earned the respect of all those who worked with him, regardless of their political views."

The President also observed that Zammit Dimech continued to serve the Maltese islands, "even when he was going through a difficult period of health, in the position of Acting President." She also expressed her condolences to his family, colleagues, and friends.

Prime Minister Robert Abela said that Zammit Dimech was a gentleman and a politician who loved the country, and was always first in his arguments, yet gentle and respectful in his demeanour and attitude.

"Malta remains grateful for his service. On behalf of the Government and the people, we extend our sincere condolences to his relatives and those closest to him," Prime Minister Abela stated.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Anġlu Farrugia, stated, on behalf of the Parliamentary Chamber, deep sorrow towards his passing. The Speaker noted that "Zammit Dimech's decades of public service - both in Parliament and in Government - were marked by integrity and a steadfast commitment to Malta's democracy."

Announcing his passing, Opposition leader Bernard Grech described how Zammit Dimech "served with great loyalty in every position he was entrusted with," as well as his positive and helpful character towards those around him.

"He would smoothen every obstacle, he would resolve every disagreement, he would smile even in the face of adversity," Grech said, "Francis, I cannot find any words to express the sadness we are feeling."

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola commented that Zammit Dimech was the person to first show her the human face of politics and that she will always hold to high regard the discussions they shared in Malta, Brussels, and Strasbourg during their shared time together as Maltese MEPs.

"Just as there are not enough words for me to thank Francis, my vocabulary holds up dry in properly describing Francis the politician. Francis was the personification of a man who dedicated his entire life to Maltese society and the Maltese and Gozitan people," Metsola said.

She said that she will always remember the peace of mind his smile brought about, his honesty, seriousness, and integrity.

The Labour Party expressed sincere condolences to the family of Dr Francis Zammit Dimech, who served the country for 30 years in Parliament, served 16 years as Minister, as well as two years as an MEP.

Last Sunday, Prime Minister and Labour Party leader Robert Abela visited Francis Zammit Dimech in hospital, the PL said.

Dr Abela paid tribute to the memory of Dr Zammit Dimech, who will be remembered as a gentleman, steadfast in his arguments but kind and respectful in his manner and attitude.

PN MP Claudette Buttigieg said goodbye to her "gentle friend" online as well, labelling him as her mentor and guide in more ways than one, she thanked him for everything through a concise message.

Eve Borg Bonello, PN's youngest serving MP this legislature, wrote that he was "so deeply loved, and rightly so." She called him "a gentle, kind light in this world" and remarked how he fondly used to call himself "an old St. Julian's boy" - a phrase he said with much pride, she remarked.

"Your passing leaves a profound ache, a sorrow that speaks volumes of the depth of gratitude and admiration you inspired in all who knew you. Rest in peace, dear Francis," Borg Bonello said.

PN MEP David Casa said that today is a dark day, and that he is devastated by the loss of his old friend, Francis Zammit Dimech - a person he described to have always been the personified definition of what it means to be loyal.

"Francis was the ideal colleague-politician you could have. Always ready to help, and to put himself behind everyone. For him, politics was a means of how, with his contribution, he could truly make a difference in the lives of people, especially those most in need," Casa said. "Today, the Nationalist Party, or rather Malta, lost a politician with a personality like few others," the PN MEP said.

PL MEP Alex Agius Saliba said that "Francis Zammit Dimech will be remembered as a person of integrity, principle, a gentleman and with strong values," adding that "these characteristics defined him in his career and in the way he served his country."

Opposition Whip Robert Cutajar stated that he feels honoured to have worked closely with Francis Zammit Dimech for so many years, speaking of his passion for the Nationalist Party and, above all, the country. Cutajar thanked his friend for checking up on him in his final weeks, despite his condition.

Expressing her condolences to his loved ones, Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg stated that while she never had the pleasure to work with the man, she has always heard that Zammit Dimech was a man of integrity who always shared his political messages respectfully and with a sense of duty towards the country.

Justice Minister Jonathan Attard saluted his memory, observing that Zammit Dimech continued to serve the country through his sense of duty till the end of his life, as Acting President, despite his ongoing health issues.

Gozitan MP Alex Borg said that Malta has lost "a person like few others." The young politician commemorated his "old friend" for his many teachings, as he taught many other contemporaries like him over his lifetime. "The biggest lesson I learned from Francis was what it means to be loyal to what you believe in, and that in politics you should build bridges, not burn them. With Francis' death, today we lost a person who extends beyond the politician we know, and everyone knows how much work he did without any fanfare," Borg recollected.

Former PN leader Adrian Delia paid tribute to Francis Zammit Dimech within an hour of his passing also. Delia wished for his friend to keep smiling high up in heaven, "beside the Lord, as he has always done throughout his life.|

PN's justice spokesperson, Karol Aquilina, thanked Zammit Dimech for his years of friendship and his many years serving the country.

PN MP Julie Zahra thanked him for his persisted commitment and for the valuable advice he always gave her. "A gentle man, with a heart of gold and who had art and culture close to his heart," Zahra stated.

PN MP Ryan Callus reminisced how he had referred to Zammit Dimech as "a person of great intellect, shaped by extensive political experience," back when he was nominated to run for the European Parliament elections. "Your diplomatic character sought what unites to find a solution. When you disagreed with someone, you used to smile in your unique style - it was therefore almost impossible to argue with you," Callus said. "On this day, when we are paying tribute to Pope Francis, who gave his life for the Church, you, Francis, also gave your life to the public service of our Malta, which you loved so much," he added.

Environment and Energy Minister Miriam Dalli said she was shocked by this news, even though she was aware of his worsening physical condition over these past weeks. Paying tribute to his memory, Minister Dalli recalled that she will never forget the time they served together in the European Parliament - particularly the day they were both in Strasbourg when a terrorist attack occurred. Dalli expressed her condolences to his family, calling him a gentleman with a big heart.

Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo bid farewell to his Zammit Dimech, whom he said he's known since they were both law students at the University of Malta. Minister Refalo observed that the two always showed respect to one another, in spite of their political differences.