The government has no intention of appointing lawyer Paul Lia as the next Chief Justice, government sources told this newspaper.
Following reports that Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri has submitted an application for a role within the European Court of Justice, rumours have spread within the legal circle that PL Lawyer Paul Lia might replace him.
However, government sources have shot down such rumours saying that there is no intention of appointing the lawyer, “despite his capabilities”.
In comments to The Malta Independent, Justice Minister Owen Bonnici said that he will not entertain speculation. “There is an opening for a new judge within the European Court of Justice and having more representatives is good news for Malta.”
Asked specifically about Dr Paul Lia, the minister said that he does not talk about speculation but only addresses facts.
Last year, Dr Lia had also quashed the rumours saying that “he will die a lawyer.” Dr Lia has been the PL’s legal representative for decades.
In legal terms, a Chief Justice does not necessarily have to be a member of the judiciary. He or she may be chosen from practising lawyers, magistrates who possess the qualifications required by law to be appointed judge, or serving judges.
Chief Justice submits application to European Court of Justice
Earlier this month, Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri submitted an application to become Malta’s second judge in the General Court of the European Court of Justice, situated in Luxembourg.
Judges serving in the European Court of Justice are paid €200,000 a year excluding allowances. Earlier this year, the EU decided that the number of judges in the court is to double to 56. After national governments squabbled over who would get an extra member, it was decided that every member state would get one – therefore 28 judges will be added.
This comes as an attempt to speed up decision making at the general court, which deals with cases brought by companies and individuals against EU bodies.
Silvio Camilleri was appointed Chief Justice in 2010, after Vincent de Gaetano was appointed to the European Court of Human Rights.
He graduated in 1975 and after four years in private practice, he served as senior counsel and public prosecutor in the criminal court. In 1989, he was appointed Assistant to the Attorney General and in 2004 he was appointed Attorney General.
Chief Justice Camilleri, 62, is three years away from official retirement.