Chief Justice Emeritus Joseph Said Pullicino was this morning sworn in for his second term as ombudsman.

President George Abela, who presided over the ceremony at the Palace in Valletta, said that Judge Said Pullicino’s reappointment was a sign of confidence by the people and Parliament.

Dr Abela said he saw the ombudsman as the citizen’s shield and it was important for people to trust him.

“I don’t think the ombudsman is there to confront the executive but to strengthen and guide it,” he said.

Speaking to timesofmalta.com, Judge Said Pullicino hoped that Parliament would, in future, engage in active debate and come to an agreement on his decisions.

Although he did not expect all his decisions to be implemented, he did expect them to be followed up and discussed, he said.