Official: Tonio Borg nominated European Commissioner - to stay on as minister until confirmation process is concluded
Updated 8 p.m.
Foreign Minister Tonio Borg is being nominated by the government to become European Commissioner, it wwas officially announced this evening.
The Prime Minister this evening officially informed European Commission President Jose' Manoel Barroso and the Leader of the Opposition of the government's decision.
Dr Borg told Net TV that he will shortly resign as deputy leader of the PN but will stay on as MP and Minister until the European Union's confirmation process is concluded.
The PN in a statement thanked Dr Borg for his service as deputy leader and praised him for his integrity and wisdom.
Once approved by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers, Dr Borg will serve for the rest of John Dalli's term, up to 2014.
Speaking to The Times last Thursday, Dr Borg said: “I am happy where I am, but I am always ready to serve wherever the Prime Minister deems fit.”
Dr Borg, an expert in public law, has been foreign minister since 2008 and is respected among his peers, particularly for his input two years ago when the Schengen countries were in dispute with Libya.
He has been an MP since 1992 and a minister since 1995, having served for many years as minister of justice and home affairs. He was also responsible for local government.
Dr Borg became deputy leader of the Nationalist Party in 2004.
EPP GROUP WELCOMES NOMINATION
The EPP Group in the European Parliament welcomed the decision of the Maltese Government to nominate Dr Borg for the post of European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy.
"I commend Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi for acting swiftly in nominating a new Commissioner", said Joseph Daul, Chairman of the group.
"Europe is facing a serious economic challenge and a fully functional and focused European Commission is essential to continue combating the crisis effectively. Prime Minister Gonzi's decision to act immediately in response to Commissioner Dalli's unexpected resignation shows the Maltese Government's sense of responsibility in ensuring that the European Commission is immediately restored to its full complement in the best interest of public trust in the Institution", continued the chairman.
While congratulating Dr Borg on his nomination, the EPP Group said it looked forward to a swift confirmation process in the European Parliament.
It called on all political groups in the European Parliament to act responsibly in this process to ensure that the new Commissioner was appointed as soon as possible: "This is in the best interests of the Institution", Joseph Daul concluded.
Popular Stories
Update 3: Marsa murder - Police looking...
Update 2: Three arrests after flamingo...
Former Judge Ray Pace found dead
Where’s Everybody staff is given notice
Revealed...the face of a Maltese woman...
Update 4 - Eddie Fenech Adami stable...
Update 3 - Woman trapped as car crashes...
Updated - Two bodies, capsized boat,...
Franco Mercieca doing routine eye ops at...
In Discussion
Update 2: Three arrests after flamingo...
Enemalta seeking minimum five year gas...
Mario de Marco, Zammit Dimech concede,...
Chinese company to study Malta-Gozo...
Franco Mercieca doing routine eye ops at...
Updated - PM reacts to Labour anger on...
No appeals board for first part of power...
Updated - PM comments as Franco Mercieca...
BBC site highlights illegal hunting in Malta
136 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
Joe Brincat-LL.D
Oct 21st 2012, 18:34
Tonio Borg is a respectable person, even though one may not agree with all his utterances. The EPP may rejoice and issue statements. But one must also remember that they only have 36.7% of the seats in the EU Parliament. So caution is indicated.
Henry Mifsud
Oct 21st 2012, 11:28
Any biased comments here are uncalled for. The PM must tread very carefully in what he is doing. This is no longer a matter of partisan politics but a National affair. At the moment all floodlights are panned on us and the slightest mistake can be catastrophic hence the choice of the candidate must take all this into consideration. I hold Dr. Borg in high regard but I dare ask is he the right one?
Emanuel Curmi
Nov 16th 2012, 12:50
Dear Mr. Mifsud. This is hardly a matter of national prestige and personally I feel that Mr. Borg gave an excellent account of himself even though I agree with your doubts that he may indeed lack the European credentials for the post. It was never going to be plain sailing but still believe that he will ride the storm and land the job.
Mr Paul Borg
Oct 21st 2012, 11:23
What happens if Mr John Dalli will not be found guilty and it will be revealed that he had no connection whatsoever with this case??
Is he going to take back his role as Commissioner??
Eddy Privitera
Oct 22nd 2012, 12:38
Mr.Paul Borg: if he is found not have had had any connection, or knew what Silvio Zammit was actually doing, the Malta and the Commission would have lost a very valid commissioner. And got instead a second-rate one.
j brincat
Oct 21st 2012, 10:39
@Andrew Francalanza
"
Gonzi Pnis going under a severe period of Reconstruction . He got rid of Old Dinosaurs Like Austin gatt..."
LOL - unbelievable!
How can you get rid of a person and then let him take control of the PN's strategy team (in tandem).
And remember that GonziPN voted against the divorce bill when he was PM. Wasn't this more medieval than a 'reconstruction'?
(jb)
j brincat
Oct 21st 2012, 10:31
The PN has been reduced to one complicated jigsaw puzzle!
But then as GonziPN once said 'xejn ma jsir b'kumbinazzjoni'
So was Tonio kicked upstairs?
Will he pass the EU test?
(jb)
Noel Abela
Oct 21st 2012, 10:30
Will this nomination be another GonziPn fiasco. Will Tonio Borg now express himself in favour of GAY people just to get appointed as commissioner. In my opinion Gonzi is yet again playing for time. His method of doing things is now too predictable. Musical chairs policy at its best. Please stop making a fool out of our country.
Eddy Privitera
Oct 21st 2012, 10:19
Nispera li Dr. Justyne Caruana tinforma lil Kummissjoni u lil MEPs kollha li hemm fil-parlament Ewropew dwar il-gidba LI GIDEB dwarha fil-parlament, biex il-gvern ma jitlifx vot. U meta kienet tqila, u allura setghet kellha konsegwenzi serji hafna !
Andrew Francalanza
Oct 21st 2012, 10:14
Gonzi Pnis going under a severe period of Reconstruction . He got rid of Old Dinosaurs Like Austin gatt and dOLORES cRISTINA . This promises a new born goverment if it is elected by the people .
Eddy Privitera
Oct 21st 2012, 10:22
Lawrence Gonzi " new born government" when the evil clique will remain in the background still calling the shots ????
Noel Abela
Oct 21st 2012, 10:32
Dream on Andrew.
Shawn Grixti
Oct 21st 2012, 10:06
Minn got-tagen ghal gon-nar!!
Matthew Tanti
Oct 21st 2012, 10:04
Ma jistax ikun li l-PM igib dejjem l-interessi partiggjani qabel kull interess iehor. L-ghazla ta' J.Dalli kienet ghazla ta' konvenjenza ghall-PN, biex spiccajna kif qal il-PM stess b' "sitwazzjioni li tinbarazzana". Minn din il-lezzjoni GonziPN ma taghlmux u ha jaghzlu lil Tonio Borg ghall-konvenjenza tal-partit taghhom.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Oct 21st 2012, 09:53
I see the concealed evil hand of the Swedish tobacco industry as the cause of this tragedy afflicting all Malta. If so Tonio is in for an undeserved and perilous rough time. That makes me very sad indeed. Tonio was the only NP Minister who deigned to protect my family from patent injustices committed during the Gonzi administration whilst others played Pontius Pilate.
m. borg (slm)
Oct 21st 2012, 09:40
Is this the way gonzi intends to give gonzipn a face lift?
First we had Austin Gatt followed by Dolores , Deguara that they will not contest,. JPO , Franco and Mugliette were given the order of the boot and now getting rid of another embarrassment by booting him upstairs were he cannot do any damage.
Even some of the newbees are advertising themselves on Facebook as "Kandidatt/a Gdid/a"
Peppi Borg
Oct 21st 2012, 09:36
I wonder what kind of lobbying will take place to let the EU accept an ultra conservative cormmisioner! Surely Dr. Borg will not be missed on that note! Medieval philosophy has been outdated for long. I also wonder how if accepted Tonio Borg will cope with the liberal movement in the EU.
Joseph Bugeja
Oct 21st 2012, 09:34
MR DAUL,
Now that is a great feat indeed!!!
Nominating a person for a post!
G. Bugeja
Oct 21st 2012, 09:32
Is Dr, Justyne Caruana ready to approve the nomination of Dr T. Borg for an EU Commissioner, after he lied against her in a vote in Parliament? Is the PL who withdrew the paring in Parliament because of Dr Tonio'[s Borg lie in Parliament in an important vote, going to approve his nomination as a Commissioner.? The EU Parliament is going to be notified about this? In my opinion they should.
Joseph Attard
Oct 21st 2012, 09:22
X'kumbinazzjoni! Ahbar bhal din tinghat fl-istess gurnata meta kien hemm il-falliment tal-gvern dwar il-power station. Ahbar li se tghatti tajjeb l-ahbar li ghal 6 xhur se tintuza biss il-power station tal-Marsa (li suppost ilha s-snin maghluqa)
Jo Meli
Oct 21st 2012, 09:13
"to stay on as minister until confirmation process is concluded" ... of courseeeeeeee !!!
CONFIRMING that he will NOT be acceptable to the European Parliament, had the possibilty been otherwise, Borg would have RESIGNED as a Minister of Foreign Affairs in the first place.
P Caruana
Oct 21st 2012, 09:13
For all the well wishers on this page, he has not been confirmed yet, so dont count your chickens before they hatch ;-)
@ Eddy Privitera, I like your post "This is a real possibility considering Dr. Tonio Borg's ultra-conservative views on liberal policies and civil-rights."
Gonzi PN will tell us that this is for the best interest of the nation. OR HIS ???
Will wait and see.
Paul Bajada
Oct 21st 2012, 08:48
I sincerely wish he shall not be asked about the snooze in Perth. That would be another embarrassing moment for our country.
Wenzu Vella
Oct 21st 2012, 08:48
How many official positions can a serving member of the Maltese parliament have at any one time in and out of parliament?
Mr M Spiteri
Oct 21st 2012, 07:07
Gonzi seems to be making way for a new vici capo by sending Tonio Borg away.
Paul Gauci
Oct 21st 2012, 05:01
Clearing the way for Simon Busuttil I see. Who wants to bet that Lawrence Gonzi will appoint Simon as his new deputy?
Anthony A. Mifsud
Oct 21st 2012, 04:18
If I have to be Nominated after JD, I would step dowm, Any person the likes of Dottre Borg should be given first best not, being used as stop plugs
Ninu
Mr Dominic Zammit
Oct 21st 2012, 02:06
Awguri Tonio, grazzi ta kollox
Karl Consiglio
Oct 21st 2012, 01:51
You never know maybe better luck this time.
N. Bill Camilleri
Oct 21st 2012, 01:45
Good luck Tonio. I hope you learned from Dalli's lesson - always remember who gave you this position or Don Gonzi will pay you visit.
Jennifer Cosaitis
Oct 20th 2012, 23:13
Awguri Dr Borg!
Doriette Rizzo Naudi
Oct 20th 2012, 22:05
Awguri Tonio! Perswaza li se taghmel gieh lilna u lil pajjizna.
Mr Richard Bonello
Oct 21st 2012, 07:00
Prophet of doom---as usual Mr Privitera. Cross your bridges when you come to them. I'm sure the PM has other options up his sleeve. BE POSITIVE for once in your missives.
Joseph Bugeja
Oct 21st 2012, 09:09
You're expected to say that aren't you? Isn't he the guy who was in favour of giving BILLIONS to GADDAFI 'to keep immigrants from leaving from Libyan shores'?
Or is my dementia starting early?
Eddy Privitera
Oct 20th 2012, 21:34
And what if he is not approved by the European parliament and the Council of Ministers, just as happened to Rocco Buttiglione ? This is a real possibility considering Dr. Tonio Borg's ultra-conservative views on liberal policies and civil-rights.
Joseph Scicluna
Oct 21st 2012, 00:02
If he is not approved you are next in line!
Joseph Scicluna
Oct 21st 2012, 08:31
@Eddie Privitera
If he is not approved by the European parliament and the Council of Ministers, you are next in line.
Mr Joe Micallef
Oct 21st 2012, 09:00
Then we will nominate new, the antitheses of the values embraced by Borg.
You may find it hard to convince them about your hate of anything EU but you can ask Schultz to give you a hand!
Robert Gatt
Oct 21st 2012, 09:12
What you perceive as being a possibility that Dr Borg might not be approved by the Council of Ministers would have been a certainity had the majority of the Maltese electorate followed your advice and opted to remain out of the EU. Dr Borg is certainly deserved for such nomination.
m. borg (slm)
Oct 21st 2012, 09:42
Well Barosso was in Malta recently, wonder if his talks with the PM were all about the present situation.
"Lobbying" isn't done by big companies alone you know.
mary pace
Oct 21st 2012, 11:04
GOOD ONE ,Joseph scicluna, I really like your comment!! Eddy Privitera should get that job as commissioner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But he should get the commissioner of GEMGEM!! cos he's always gemgem!!!! ( Pity brussels don't know he exists!!
Carmel (Nenu) Aquilina
Oct 20th 2012, 21:30
L-aħjar għażla,
Persuna brava, ġentloma, serja u leali!
Nawguralek Dr Tonio Borg li tkompli tagħmel lill Maltin u l-Għawdxin poplu kburi u stmat!
mark borg
Oct 21st 2012, 07:55
u int mhux l-aqwa li nazzjonalist ghalik ? ha naraw jghaxxaqniex bhal ta qablu ,li probabbli min jaf kemm daqqejt trumbetti u kont ktibtilna kemm JD kien l-ahjar ghazla wkoll....imma kif ma tafx tisthi !!
Jo Meli
Oct 21st 2012, 09:15
Leali LEJN min Nenu ??
Lejn dawk li vwutaw IVA fil Referendum tad Divorzju Nen ??
Joseph Bugeja
Oct 21st 2012, 09:15
Talking for the minority aren't you Mr Aquilina? L-ahjar ghazla you said. I am sure you'd have said the same if Ambassador Richard Cachia Caruana was chosen or the first 'nationalist' person to say 'Viva Gonzi' for that matter!
Mr Giovanni Barbaro-Sant
Oct 20th 2012, 21:11
A well deserved nomination
Tony Caruana
Oct 20th 2012, 20:55
Awguri Tonio...a true politician, a down to earth man who has always acted with great dignity. He will make us proud. HE WILL EARN MALTA A GOOD REPUTATION AGAIN.
Silvan Cutajar
Oct 20th 2012, 20:52
perfect for gonzipn to put in a new deputy leader under the supervision (procedural) of the incumbent leader..worse than the PL when Sant and friends called the shots.
Peppi Borg
Oct 20th 2012, 20:50
Is this another move from Gonzipn to win back disgruntled voters? Gonzipn's vice leadership is vacant, soon even the deputy prime minister seat would follow suit. will now Gonzi resign as Party Leader but retain the seat of primeminister until next election?
Albert Vella
Oct 20th 2012, 20:40
Congratulations and the best of luck. You deserve such a nomination. Albert E. Vella
Joseph Bugeja
Oct 21st 2012, 09:17
I agree! Under GonziPN we deserve no better!
C Muscat
Oct 20th 2012, 20:39
Good Luck Vice Prime Minister. You deserve any post; the eu does not deserve you because you are too good.
m. borg (slm)
Oct 21st 2012, 09:43
You had strong coffee this moring mate.
liza Elizabeth
Oct 20th 2012, 20:38
Kemm kien sew lì kien intazel l prim lawrence gonzi u Mhux dalli waqt l kampanja tal leader..
Lucienne Spiteri
Oct 20th 2012, 20:32
This is what I call a loyal and serious man. Well done Tonio Borg and good luck. You will make Malta proud.
Melvyn Mifsud LLD
Oct 20th 2012, 20:27
All the best in the process yet to come - I believe you could do a fine job in a prestigious place.
J Busuttil
Oct 20th 2012, 20:16
All the best of luck Tonio, sure that you will make us proud and with your image will fix any damage that has been done to Malta.
Joe Busuttil
Oct 20th 2012, 19:42
Oh dear! And who is going to keep track on how Justyne votes in parliament now? Won't be missed I guess.
M Grima
Oct 20th 2012, 19:17
Tonio Borg is a terrible choice to take charge of the EU Health portfolio. He has extreme views on issues like abortion and IVF, which, although main-stream on this tiny island, will be (rightly) seen as totally crack-pot by many millions of EU citizens. I fear another huge dose of embarrassment for Malta as soon as Tonio Borg starts preaching his brand of Catholic Conservatism to our neighbours.
Dominic Chircop
Oct 20th 2012, 21:13
Another Rocco Buttiglione !
carmel parnis
Oct 21st 2012, 07:46
If Tonio Borg h as extreme views on abortion its an honour for him . Mr GRIMA are you in favour of abortion ?
David Scicluna
Oct 20th 2012, 19:00
What is so urgent? what if Dalli is innocent? Why was he not treated like Chris Said? And finally, can we have a better choice?
Aaron Vella
Oct 20th 2012, 20:36
If Dalli is innocent he wouldn't have been forced to resign. My God, why would you need an explanation for that?
Alfred Vassallo
Oct 20th 2012, 22:49
Aaron Vella
I thought that all man are innocent before PROVEN guilty in court. My God why do we have people who reason the way you do??
C Briffa
Oct 21st 2012, 06:19
If Dalli is innocent then Barrosso needs to resign
David Scicluna
Oct 21st 2012, 08:59
@ Aaron. Your explanation is at best simplistic. The journalists at Brussels had their doubts also.
Joseph Bugeja
Oct 21st 2012, 09:25
@ Aaron Vella
Didn't know that resigning implies a guilt verdict? Have I been missing on some new law by your party in government? No wonder no one resign from government here in Malta because they are all innocent. That's what PL have been doing wrong. If not asked for they would have resigned of their own free will.
What next!!!???
m. borg (slm)
Oct 21st 2012, 09:47
Aaron Gonzi made Dalli resign his post as minister when there were false accussations by people in the party. Making him resign means nothing except that that Barosso acted as he felt was good for the Commission.
I would have thought you gonzipners have more sense than that. Don't forget when Dalli was found innocent gonzi made him his "personnal consultant" before getting rid of him in Brussels
Francis Saliba M.D.
Oct 21st 2012, 10:13
@AaronVella.
Do you need to have it explained to you that a suspect is to be considered innocent until it is proved that he is guilty. Dalli has not even been accused of anything as yet by the Attorney General and Kessler has frankly admitted that he does not have any probative evidence but only circumstantial evidence.
Mr leo attard
Oct 21st 2012, 13:30
yes, I nominate Mr Bean who has got to be better
mark borg
Oct 20th 2012, 18:50
haha ha ha do they know hom much he campaigned against the introduction of DIVORCE in Malta?
Mr Joe Micallef
Oct 21st 2012, 09:03
Ha ha ha how do you get yourself to discuss EU when, with your current wannabe youngest prime minister Joey, you campaigned so hard against the EU with an impressive string of lies and flag burning!.
Maria Debono
Oct 20th 2012, 18:41
a man of integrity who will never let malta down. However he will be sorely missed and quite difficult to replace. He made malta proud during the last few months.
Joseph Bugeja
Oct 21st 2012, 09:31
If you so I guess!
If he will be sorely missed then the PN is in a more pitiable state than I can fathom!
And which was this pride that Malta and I missed out on these LAST FEW MONTHS?
Voting against divorce even though the sovereign people asked for it?
joseph gaffarena
Oct 20th 2012, 18:39
We are going to lose an intelligent man in our party.
I am more than sure that if he was leader of the PN, things will have been better
In our party headquarters we are seeing a bunch of employees related to each other,
and with this we have all this thunderstorms coming towards us,
R. Balzan
Oct 20th 2012, 21:28
Kemm dhakt meta qrajt il-post tieghek! Mhux thunderstorm gejja, imma tsunami.
Lawrence Bonello
Oct 20th 2012, 18:33
What? Not Franco Debono? :P
L Zammit
Oct 20th 2012, 22:59
Franco must be cursing his behaviour during the recent past. So many opportunities have gone a-begging.
Peppi Borg
Oct 20th 2012, 18:30
Another Buttiglione???? Is it appropriate that a deputy lader and vice prime minister be appointed commisioner on the eve of an election? Who will be ready to accept the no esy task of a deputy leader of PN in such hard times?
P Borg
Oct 20th 2012, 18:22
A very good nomination, one that will help to repair our image. It is a pity that we're going to lose him here. A man of great calibre, professionalism and healthy values.
Peter Murray
Oct 20th 2012, 18:22
All these plaudits, kind sentiments and commendations afforded to Tonio Borg(undoubtedly well merited ) were mirror-imaged when much -missed John Dalli set off on his adventure to Brussels -lest we forget !.Also his nomination has to be ratified by the EP and Council of Ministers and what is the bettting that he will be the last EU Commissioner from Malta for quite a long time -if approved ?
Mr Mario Mifsud
Oct 20th 2012, 18:19
If in the opinion of the Prime Minister, Dr Tonio Borg should be nominated as Malta's EU Commissioner, he should go ahead with the nomination.
Dr Borg is a person who has performed well in Malta's politics and his nomination should not arouse controversy and be accepted.
j brincat
Oct 20th 2012, 17:44
But what about his conservative stance?
Will he accepted by EU?
(jb)
K. Vella
Oct 20th 2012, 17:20
Well deserved... but will be deeply missed.....
Guido Farrugia
Oct 20th 2012, 21:17
By Dr. Justyne
m. borg (slm)
Oct 20th 2012, 17:12
if the government wants to embarass Malta even further then let it be.
It will take more than smiles of good will to convince the selection board to accept a homophobic commissioner into the fold.
About replacements I assure those talking about them it won't be long before there is a clean sweep of the cabinet including the PM himself.
Alfred Cassar
Oct 20th 2012, 17:11
What if?, ....... Hon Tonio Borg becomes Foreign Affairs Commissioner for the EU?
Jesmond Farrugia
Oct 20th 2012, 17:07
Balanced and above reproach - good choice for Malta and the EU.
Colin Stanley
Oct 20th 2012, 17:05
if he is not accepted because he is a catholic, then that goes to show us that we are in the wrong club, before jioning we were told that the EU has christain values, which apparently is not true.
Ramon Casha
Oct 20th 2012, 20:08
Of course it doesn't! It has human values, which are far higher.
John Vella
Oct 20th 2012, 16:59
i hope his spoken English is better than john's!
Mike Hunt
Oct 20th 2012, 20:05
That shouldn't be too much to ask for. But then again, there's a disproportionately high percentage of Europeans who cannot claim a degree in fluency in any language other than their mother tongue.
Mr leo attard
Oct 20th 2012, 21:28
in one communication in an email, Mr Borg said -- ''I did not envisage retroactivity''..... hope this answers your question.
Mark Borg
Oct 20th 2012, 16:53
So far so good. No problem there. The real issue is whether Tonio Borg can weather the storm that others had to face when scrutinized by EU Parliamentarians. Remember Rocco Buttiglione who in 2004 had to withdraw his nomination on account of his controversial views on gays? How Tonio must be kicking himself for uttering those uncomplimentary remarks in parliament in regard to gay couples!
Maria Vassallo
Oct 20th 2012, 16:45
Prost Ministru, haqqek tkun f'din il-missjoni u kompli ahdem ghal Malta u ghall-Ewropa!
Grazzi Prim Ministru tad-decizjoni tieghek minghajr prokrastinazzjoni!
Grazzi PL tal-'backing@ tieghek! Urejt sens kbir ta' responsabbilta!
Anthony Pace
Oct 20th 2012, 16:38
I cannot see the point of appointing someone from within the government for a year that the Commissioner will serve as a new lot will have to be appointed in 2014.
He will lose his seat in Parliament and ability to get back in power after a break. Better off with someone from outside like RCC or SB or JB (former Commissioner) or wait till after the election.
Ronnie Callus
Oct 20th 2012, 16:37
Good luck Hon.Borg, show them your strong hands as once Dr.Gonzi told us.
John Attard
Oct 20th 2012, 16:22
We need Tonio Borg in the Party so please don"t go but stay so win again
Mr Mario Mifsud
Oct 20th 2012, 16:21
Malta is in an awkward position due to the sudden resignation of JD. The Prime Minister has said that he would make nomination for new Maltese commissioner at an early date . I do not expect that Dr Borg's nomination would not be accepted by the EU. There may be opposition by some quarters but I am of the opinion that the overall decision would be favourable. I would go ahead with nomination.
gil falzon
Oct 20th 2012, 16:08
The pc social engineering leftists have their claws ready to suffocate freedom of speech and freedom of belief when he arrives. Good luck Hon. Borg. You have my backing at least.
Charles Grixti
Oct 20th 2012, 18:44
"leftists"??? I thought that the EU was a Rightist, Club of Rome project.
Paul Camilleri
Oct 20th 2012, 15:50
No need for a Deputy Prime Minister, locally!!!!
Ms Xixi Caruana
Oct 20th 2012, 15:45
Dr Borg is our pride. Such a loss for Malta ... Highly educated and humble gentleman . A unique politician who will definetely make us proud.
Peter Murray
Oct 20th 2012, 16:13
Wasn't the exact same sentiments applied to Dalli before he left for Brussels?
Alfred Cassar
Oct 20th 2012, 17:10
Such a loss for Law Students. He is a marvelous lecturer in Constitutional Law. He will be missed also by the Labour Party side, for his modus operandi in Parliament. He deserves it.
Sandro Pace
Oct 20th 2012, 15:35
Honor Tonio Borg is a person of integrity, and a very suitable choice. Being conservative, and defending the natural family as we know it, is nothing to be embarassed of. Even if he does not pass due these reasons. Neither shameful. A person is entitled to his opinion. Those who think we will be embarassed 'again' are equalling corruption with rightousness. Shame. Not all MEPs are liberal anyway.
Pierre Vassallo
Oct 20th 2012, 15:32
This would be a very good choice. Hope this really happens.
Antonia Vella
Oct 20th 2012, 15:31
To consevative for Europe I think
Alfred Falzon
Oct 20th 2012, 16:33
Being European does not necessarily imply condoning what goes against moral principles and standards!
Europe needs people who are not scared stiff of calling a spade a spade and who are all out to uphold what is good for the welfare of our society!
That's what the real European should be!
Alfred A. Falzon
J. Abela
Oct 20th 2012, 15:26
He has a certain flair that is perfect for a foreign affairs minister. I can't see anyone replacing him. Maybe Demarco will replace him now.
P Buħaġiar
Oct 20th 2012, 17:07
It's better to replace Tonio Borg and His circle/s, by some people more valuable as this is the wish, of people's pulse at this moment.
Lino Maniscalco
Oct 20th 2012, 15:16
Tonio Borg really deserves it if he is chosen as he is one of the few clean dedicated hard working MPs from the whole parliament.
Anthony Pace
Oct 20th 2012, 15:14
What about appointing Simon Busutill to the job of Commissioner. He lives most of the time in Brussels!
Julian Borg
Oct 20th 2012, 16:57
You wiiiiiiiiish!
Nenu Galea
Oct 20th 2012, 18:24
conveniently enough for the PN to elevate Dr,Borg to EU Commissioner to create a vacancy for Deputy Leader and Simon Busuttil will replace him as Dep.Leader DPM and Foreign Affairs Minister. This theory created by the PN strategists is their only chance to procrastinate as much as the electoral law permits,and maybe revitalise their chances at the next elections
joseph hili
Oct 20th 2012, 15:00
I think he does not pass the test
Paul Zammit
Oct 20th 2012, 15:20
i think he does ... who's right? me/you?
what I mean is ... WHO CARES ABOUT WHAT U OR I THINK? (unless its election time)
V Mercieca
Oct 20th 2012, 15:49
I also do not think that he will make it, not becase he is not capable but because the EU is anti hard line Catholics.
A would be Italian commissioner was not aproved as he was also a hard line Catholic and had strong views against legislation which goes against the religion
Ronnie Callus
Oct 20th 2012, 16:39
@ joseph hili:
It depends which test you are referring to.
Julian Borg
Oct 20th 2012, 16:56
Clear concise analysis - than you for sharing your in depth analysis with us!
S. Vella
Oct 20th 2012, 18:56
@V. Mercieca
The EU does not comprise of catholics only. A commissioner is unfit if he serves only a part of the population.
Mark Cassar
Oct 20th 2012, 14:54
I wonder who will replace Dr Tonio Borg? Perhaps Dr Simon Busuttil will be co-opted if he becomes deputy Leader?
GL Calleja
Oct 20th 2012, 14:52
Payback Dr Gonzi? Or as they say, keep it in the family. I am very disappointed that you did not pick any of my nominees, those being, Franco Debono, Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, or who I thought might be your first choice, Austin Gatt, but I am sure you want him close by, to keep the "CLIQUE" together.
P Bonnici
Oct 20th 2012, 15:04
I agree with you. Labour would have done exactly the same thing. That's politicians for you.
P Azzopardi
Oct 20th 2012, 16:50
Its ALL politics....whether blue, red, green etc.
M Abdilla
Oct 20th 2012, 14:39
And the Foreign Ministry?
Manuel Scicluna
Oct 20th 2012, 18:16
....in that case Austin Gatt is the right person for the foreign affairs ministry. He will take care of all the 'busullotti' lol :-)
Joe Grech
Oct 20th 2012, 14:34
Why don't the goverment wait till the general election which will be held in a few months time. Than a new elected goverment nominate a new and young face in politics probabbly a female .
Bernard Pollacco
Oct 20th 2012, 15:33
because they can't wait for (if the election is held in march) for 4-5 months till a new commissioner is appointed (if im not mistaken) and he is not going to stay as if a new commissioner is chosen and only for a year and 2 months
Aaron Vella
Oct 20th 2012, 18:27
Because Malta is now the only country who doesn't have a Commissioner in the EU. Important decisions cannot wait till the general election. John Dalli (and the Labour Party) gave us the notion, unfortunately, that Commissioners are part of the local politics, when in fact they are not.
Tony Borg
Oct 20th 2012, 14:27
Do they know what they are doing?
Another humiliation is coming to Malta's way when Tonio Borg is interviewed for his post. As happened to the Italian (if not mistaken) nominee when he was not accepted due to his ultraconservative views.
Alfred Grech
Oct 20th 2012, 14:24
Besides his qualifications, Tonio Borg is a true gentleman, one of the politicians I respect most in this country.
carmel muscat
Oct 20th 2012, 17:38
ma hemmx 6 ohra bhallu fil parlament kollu
Eddy Privitera
Oct 20th 2012, 18:03
Carmel Muscat Jekk tnehhi n-nuccali blue skuhlief li mmanuvra biex ilr minn quddiem ghajnejk, tibda tara ahjar. Tista tghid x'ghamel hlief li mmanuvra biex quddiem il-parlament ma jitressqux ligijiet ghal- voti halli l.gvern ma jigix imbarazzat ?
Victor Vella
Oct 20th 2012, 14:22
A loss for Malta and gain for the EU.Good luck Dr Borg,
Joseph Camilleri
Oct 20th 2012, 14:20
Congratulations Dr Tonio Borg.
Please choose the reason of your report below: