PM Shares Light Hearted Moment With Chief Justice As Talks With Opposition Continue

Prime Minister Robert Abela and Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti shared a light-hearted exchange during the Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck Mass in Valletta on yesterday’s public holiday, briefly setting aside ongoing political disagreement surrounding the appointment of the next Chief Justice.

The two were seen greeting each other warmly, with the Prime Minister joking about the Chief Justice’s recent surge in “popularity” as he approaches retirement, amid continued debate over his successor. The exchange comes at a time of political deadlock between the government and the opposition.

Under Malta’s Constitution, the Chief Justice is appointed by the President of the Republic acting in accordance with a resolution of the House of Representatives supported by no fewer than two-thirds of all Members of Parliament. If such a resolution fails to obtain the required majority, the incumbent Chief Justice remains in office until a successor secures the necessary parliamentary support.

Chief Justice Chetcuti was due to retire on 4 February. However, no agreement has yet been reached on his replacement. Prime Minister Abela has expressed preference for Madam Justice Consuelo Scerri Herrera, while Opposition Leader Alex Borg has indicated support for Madam Justice Edwina Grima. The lack of consensus has resulted in Chetcuti remaining in office until a two-thirds agreement is achieved.

Born in Sliema on 4 February 1958, Chetcuti graduated with a Doctorate in Law from the University of Malta in 1981. He established a private legal practice specialising in civil and family law, as well as local and international arbitration. Over the years, he served in various judicial and administrative roles before being elevated to the Bench in 2010.

In 2020, he was appointed Chief Justice by unanimous parliamentary decision. In his role, he serves as President of the Constitutional Court and holds key responsibilities within Malta’s superior courts and judicial administration.

#MaltaDaily