The Labour MEPs abstained in today's vote which saw EU Commission President Juan Manuel Barroso re-elected for a second them, the PL confirmed in a statement this afternoon.

In a statement issued in Maltese and English, the party said: "We feel that President Barroso failed to deliver on two essential priorities as highlighted both by our Delegation and our Group of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) within the EP.

"In our opinion, in the last five years, the Commission under the Presidency of Barroso did not treat the matter of irregular/illegal immigration in a concrete and urgent manner as was needed. Moreover, we found Barroso's report submitted to all the political groups, outlining his political guidelines for the next 5 years disappointing. It is evident that there was an absence of serious commitment to resolve this delicate issue of irregular/illegal immigration in a fair manner, especially when one considers the enormous burdens this matter has put on Malta's resources."

Furthermore, Mr Barroso's commitment to implement the necessary social measures had proven to be unsatisfactory, the PL said.

Mr Barroso was re-elected in a secret vote in the European Parliament. He won 328 votes, while there were 219 against and 117 abstentions. The socialist group, of which the PL forms part, voted against..

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