Warns on Tonio Borg’s nomination saying that ‘we do not need a second Rocco Buttiglione’

●

The head of the European Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, Austrian MEP Hannes Swoboda, has criticised the handling of the process leading to the resignation of former EU commissioner John Dalli, saying that “serious doubts” hang over this issue.

Addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg yesterday morning, Mr Swoboda said that there are “serious questions about a plot” against the former commissioner while demanding more transparency on the issue.

Mr Swoboda suggested the affair “may have been mishandled” by European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso and the EU’s anti-fraud office (Olaf). “There are serious doubts about the entire process that led to Dalli’s resignation,” he said.

European Commission spokesman Olivier Bailly refused to comment on Mr Swoboda’s statement during the midday express, saying that up to that time he was not aware of his remarks.

Regarding the nomination of deputy prime minister Tonio Borg to succeed Mr Dalli, Mr Swoboda said that Dr Borg will be questioned closely on the compatibility of his views with Europe’s fundamental values on civil liberties and non-discrimination. Dr Borg’s three-hour hearing at the European Parliament is scheduled for 13 November.

“There has already been one case where the European Parliament rejected a candidate who could not convince MEPs of his readiness to accept basic European values. We do not need a second Rocco Buttiglione,” Mr Swoboda said.

The Italian Christian Democrat was nominated for the post of European Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security with a portfolio that was to include civil liberties in 2004.

However, his nomination resulted in controversy as some political groups opposed him for his Roman Catholic views against homosexuality, despite his assurances that these were only his personal convictions and would not dictate his administration.

During his hearing before the European Parliament’s committee on civil liberties, justice and home affairs, he was asked about his stance on these issues and carefully reiterated his views, and stated that his personal opinion would not prevent him from dutifully administering his office.

The committee narrowly voted against his nomination with 27 votes against and 26 in favour, forcing the president of the commission to withdraw his nomination.