PM Robert Abela Accuses PN Of Stalling Chief Of Justice Appointment

Following questions posed by journalists, Prime Minister Robert Abela confirmed that he personally met with Judge Lawrence Mintoff, the same way the Opposition allegedly met with a number of other Judges.

Abela explained that it is necessary to meet with those interested in the career of Chief Justice, including providing guidance to those who expressed interest but had not received further support.

“If you don’t speak with the person you’re considering nominating, how can you satisfy this function?”

Abela clarified that along with Minister Jonathan Attard, he had proposed that the current Chief of Justice is consulted regarding who he believes is best suited to takeover the role.

He continued by claiming that the Nationalist Party voted against this amendment a couple of months ago.

He also referred to other proposals where the age of retirement is raised to 70, or the country has 3 sections of constitutional court. The opposition allegedly also voted against these as well.

“If they voted in favour, none of this impasse would have happened,” stated Abela.

PM Robert Abela proceeded to accuse the Opposition of stalling the appointment of a new Chief of Justice.

“Every day I will continue reminding the leader of the Opposition that he needs to give us a yes or no for the government’s nomination,” he stated, “If he doesn’t do that, I am going to take a clear position that can be one of the diverse options which are available, but we will be taking a decision,” continued the Prime Minister.

“A situation which the Opposition keeps procrastinating and not taking a decision is not acceptable,” he concluded.

Robert Abela referred once again to a meeting which occurred in his office with Dr Alex Borg, Dr Giglio, and Dr Attard where a number of considerations, age being a factor,were agreed upon by all parties regarding the appointment of a new Chief of Justice.

Robert Abela continuously emphasised that whatever was said between him and Judge Mintoff in his office shall remain confidential, unless an authorised party who has the right to know the answer brings it up.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Robert Abela formally wrote to the Standards Commissioner, requesting that the statute of limitations be lifted on allegations related to the appointment of a Chief Justice.

#MaltaDaily