The government and opposition have agreed on the appointment of Mark Chetcuti as the new Chief Justice. He will be replacing Joseph Azzopardi, who is retiring on 8 April.

The appointment will be made after the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader will be presenting a joint motion in Parliament this evening.

Chetcuti was appointed judge in 2010 after a 30-year career practising law.

The cabinet approved the nomination in a meeting held today.

A statement by the government said an agreement had been reached in principle on amendments to be made in the way new judges are appointed, and consequently also the chief justice after Chetcuti ends his tenure.