Victoria Buttigieg was officially appointed as Malta's first State Advocate on Tuesday afternoon.  

She was unanimously recommended for the post by an Appointment Commission, following a public call. Justice, Culture and Local Government Minister, Owen Bonnici congratulated Buttigieg and called the ceremony a "historical moment."

The newly established constitutional post was enacted by means of Act XXV of 2019. This piece of legislation was approved last Jul,y and provides for the total separation between the existing dual functions of the Attorney General. The separation will enter into effect as from 18 December 2019.

As a result of this reform, the Attorney General will retain the responsibility for prosecutions and criminal matters, as provided in the Constitution and other laws. The State Advocate will be responsible for all government advisory and legal representation functions in the field of constitutional, civil and administrative law, which till now was exercised by the Attorney General. 

The Venice Commission had proposed the separation of the dual roles of the Attorney General. The State Advocate will enjoy the same level of protection, and security of tenure, as enjoyed by all Members of the Judiciary and the Attorney General.

Photos: Alenka Falzon