ALEX BORG CLAIMS LABOUR BLOCKED ALL 4 PN CHIEF JUSTICE PICKS WITHOUT GIVING REASONS

Giving comments to the media, Opposition Leader Alex Borg declared that he had put forward four names as part of the Nationalist Party’s proposal for the new Chief Justice. He said Prime Minister Robert Abela and the Labour government rejected all four without giving any reason. Borg stated he is still waiting for an official explanation as to why the PN’s proposed names were refused.

He alleged that even if the PN had presented 10 different names, they would have all been turned down, because the Labour Party does not want the PN to have any role or final say in the process. Borg accused the government of turning what should be a constitutional appointment into a political and partisan issue.

The comments come amid the ongoing deadlock over the appointment of Malta’s next Chief Justice, which requires a two-thirds majority in Parliament. The process has become increasingly tense following a sworn five-page letter sent by Judge Wenzu Mintoff to Cabinet ministers.

In his letter, Mintoff alleged that Prime Minister Abela refused to consider him and other PN-nominated judges for political reasons rather than merit. He claimed the Prime Minister did not want to appoint any candidate linked to the Opposition, as this could upset Labour supporters and strengthen the political standing of the PN.

The situation has sparked wider debate about the independence of the judiciary and whether key constitutional appointments are being influenced by party politics rather than national interest.

#MaltaDaily