Azzopardi the leading candidate to replace Camilleri as Chief Justice

Judge Joseph Azzopardi is the most likely candidate to become the next Chief Justice following the retirement of Silvio Camilleri from the bench next month, The Sunday Times of Malta is informed. Court sources told this newspaper that Dr Azzopardi, who will turn 63 next month, is the government’s most probable choice, even though he would only be in the post for two years before having to retire at 65 under the current rules. A former Labour candidate and ex-president of the Chamber of Advocates, Dr Azzopardi was appointed Judge of the Superior Courts in 2003 under a Nationalist administration. He is currently the President of the Family Section at the Civil Courts. Described as an uncontroversial character, Dr Azzopardi is considered by many in the legal profession to be a very honest and affable man, who has served the court with efficiency and rectitude. “Judge Azzopardi is acceptable to both sides of the political divide and he is very well-respected among his colleagues,” a senior member of the legal profession explained to this newspaper. The Sunday Times of Malta is informed that the choice was between three senior members of the judiciary. Until a few weeks ago the...