The head of the socialist group in the European Parliament, Hannes Swoboda, said today that "it would make sense to wait for the result of the next general elections in Malta, which are due to be held in the coming months, before a new European Commissioner is nominated" by Malta.

Mr Swoboda said the group supported the resignation of Commissioner Dalli.

"It is imperative that each Commissioner representing the European Commission is above suspicion.

"The EU Commission must act in a way where honesty has to be the priority," Mr Swoboda said.

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