Mr Justice Joseph Azzopardi was sworn in as Chief Justice on Thursday afternoon, Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri.
Chief Justice Azzopardi, 63, became a lawyer in 1980 and was legal adviser for several public corporations.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony, President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said that confidence in the justice system needed to be strengthened, insisting that this was crucial for the smooth running of a democratic country.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that the government respected the complete autonomy of the judiciary. He added that it was his duty to defend the country’s institutions.
The Prime Minister also thanked the outgoing Chief Justice for his efforts during his tenure.
In a short address, the new Chief Justice promised to carry out his duties “to the best of his abilities”. He also urged parents to support their children, explaining that his late parents were always supportive, even if they did not always have the ways and means to help him in his studies.