Helena Dalli... for Justice Commissioner?

A supposedly leaked and unconfirmed document doing the rounds yesterday shows former Equality Minister Helena Dalli tipped for the European Commission’s justice portfolio.

Dalli, who resigned a few weeks ago after the government selected her as its nominee to the European Commission, would replace Vera Jourová, who has been a perpetually harsh critic of Malta’s shortcomings in its rule of law and judicial system.

Jourová is now expected to become the commission’s head for democratic rule of law, meaning that rule of law matters will no longer be invested with the justice commissioner.

If the list circulated yesterday is real, Dalli is expected not only to be grilled, but fried and basted too when her confirmation hearings come around, given Malta’s sketchy track record in the area of justice with the European Parliament.

The Nationalist Party has pledged its support to Dalli’s nomination, but one wonders whether PN MEPs David Casa and Roberta Metsola will stick to that considering the portfolio apparently being suggested for Dalli.

If true, Dalli will have to face uncomfortable questions about the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia as well as her government’s procrastinated delay in opening a public inquiry. Malta has also often been criticised in areas such as freedom of expression, protection of the media and media independence, subjects that will also undoubtedly come up during her hearing.