Update: Tonio Borg, Malta’s candidate to replace resigning Commissioner John Dalli, was supported by MEPs on Wednesday with 386 votes in favour 281 against and 28 abstentions.

Mr Borg’s approval should now be finalised by the Council in the coming days. He will then be able to take up his post as Commissioner for health and consumer affairs.

Mr Borg underwent a three hour public hearing with MEPs from the Environment, Internal Market and Agriculture committees last week. At their request, he then provided written assurances of his commitment to the Charter of Fundamental Rights, tobacco legislation, and the rights of women and LGBT people.

Ahead of the vote the ALDE, Greens and GUE groups declared that they could not support Mr Borg.

Update: In a statement the The Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi expressed satisfaction, on behalf of the Government and people of Malta, with the vote taken today by the European Parliament on the nomination of Dr. Tonio Borg as European Commissioner for health and consumer.

“Tonio Borg, has shown in the hearing before the European Parliament, as well as with each post he has held, that he is a competent person, with integrity and diligence.

“Tonio Borg will bring honor to our country and the Maltese.”

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