Case closed on Dalli resignation, and Malta agrees – Commission
John Dalli
The European Commission considers the case of John Dalli's resignation as closed, and Malta agrees, as evidenced by the fact that it has nominated a new commissioner, an EU spokesman said today.
Responding to questions during the daily midday briefing, Commission chief spokesman Olivier Bailly reiterated that Mr Dalli accepted to take President Jose Manoel Barroso's offer to resign.
"Mr Barroso did not need to use his powers accorded by the Treaty (to sack a Commissioner) as Mr Dalli decided out of his free will to accept the President's offer to resign. He did this twice," Mr Bailly said.
"The fact that the Maltese government decided to nominate a new Commissioner is proof that even Malta recognises Mr Dalli resignation, if there was any need for proof," the spokesman said.
Mr Bailly also said that Mr Dalli had all the opportunity to defend himself with legal assistance during the OLAF investigations.
"Mr Dalli was not surprised by the investigations as he was informed about them by OLAF and he was interviewed twice to respond to the allegations. He did this and also availed himself from the opportunity to be accompanied by a lawyer," Mr Bailly said.
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John Azzopoardi
Oct 27th 2012, 13:12
No so fast. Let us investigate and get to the bottom of this. Dalli should not give in to threats by Borroso.
Joseph Vassallo, (Bugibba)
Oct 26th 2012, 06:46
Oh! So... Barroso's was an offer not a demand?
That's not what I have been reading.
Joseph Grech Attard
Oct 25th 2012, 20:54
It seems that GonziPN was all ready to substitute John Dalli, as it did this immediately & by nominating GonziPN's deputy leader! Had things been boiling for quite some time without the citizens knowing about them? Is this another one of the many Omertas that the PN under EFA and GonziPPN under the same 'clique' are so famous for? We have really hit the bottom of the gutter, and internationally!
Joseph Aquilina
Oct 25th 2012, 20:27
The EU spokesman is wrong. The space has to be filled up. However that does not mean the case is closed. Dalli has the right to prove he is innocent and the Maltese have the right to know if Dalli is really guilty or not and JUSTICE be made in either case!!
Ronnie Callus
Oct 26th 2012, 07:41
Agree 100% with your comment.
A. Mizzi
Oct 25th 2012, 19:56
Gonzi ghandu habta jghid "DAN IL-KAPITLU MAGHLUQ!"
Kien qal hekk ukoll meta xi sena ilu qal li kull ma hu Dr. Franco Debono skalda f'subghajh iz-zghir u l-Kapitlu maghluq! : )
Mr leo attard
Oct 25th 2012, 19:45
funny how the PM did not ecognize R Cachia Caruana's rsignation, nor did he respect the majority of parliament's vote of no confidence
Evarist Saliba
Oct 25th 2012, 18:57
Olivier Bailly is a spokesman for the EU and he should keep to that role without involving the Maltese government. A question he should answer is whether any reaction from Malta could have stopped the vacancy created during the Dalli/Barroso meeting, and since the answer is "No", what could Malta do but seek to fill this vacancy. Stop playing with words.
Giov DeMartino
Oct 25th 2012, 18:24
Eddy Privitera, of all people, defending a "nationalist"
A. Mizzi
Oct 25th 2012, 19:58
Giov DeMartino of all people,NOT defending a "nationalist"!
C Muscat
Oct 26th 2012, 08:19
National pride is above all partisanship.
Dalligate as you say is politically locally infused but for a maltese citizen (of all parties) Dalli was a commissioner of Malta that is representing anyone with Maltese Blood.
This time Eddy Privitera for me is a gentleman riding above politics.
Steve M. Engerer
Oct 25th 2012, 18:22
Toghqod tghid hux, kemm kienu jaqlawlu lil John Dalli tal-MLP meta kien ghadu qatt ma mar fuq is-Super One biex jattakka l-gvern nazzjonalista u jghid li hemm bzonn bidla fit tmexxija!!
Illum sar qisu parti mil-MLP bil-kummenti favurih mil-bloggers tal-MLP!!!
Tghid sakemm ser jibghu jadurawh tal-MLP???
joseph demicoli
Oct 25th 2012, 18:40
jien ma nafx kemm ghandek zmiem ,imma diga qied tbati bid-dimenzja. Insejt kemm ghajjtu Salbu Salbu lill- Mintoff u mbaghad fid-1998 kemm fahhartuh. lol
Paul Brincat
Oct 25th 2012, 17:10
Mhux Ahjar nistennew u nitkellmu wara li ingibdu il konkluzzjonijiet. Issa Raport ghadda ghand il-pulizija, mela nistennew ftit iehor kif wara kollox qablu li jaghmlu il gvern u l-oppozizjoni. Imma donnu hawnhekk hawn hafna bravi.
GL Calleja
Oct 25th 2012, 17:05
We all have to understand that there is something not right here. First of all, do you think that Barroso would ask John Dalli to resign without solid proof? And why was Dr Gonzi so anxious to nominate Tonio Borg as his replacement so fast? If they thought that John Dalli was innocent, shouldn't the government of Malta have protested a bit and defended John Dalli out right?
Joseph Fenech
Oct 25th 2012, 17:01
When the OLAF Report comes to light then all the Socialist orchestrated bloggers will go into SILENT MODE AGAIN. This is not a Mr. Dalli vrs PN affair. Mr. Dalli ,as Commissioner, represented all Malta and although appointed by Prime Minister Gonzi, he is responsible for his actions. It is shameful that our Prime Minister got to know about the OLAF investigation from OLAF itself.
J Cauchi
Oct 25th 2012, 17:00
No Mr Bailly MALTA DOES NOT AGREE with the Commission. It's the Prime Minister and perhaps some of his Ministers that agree. But not Malta. Malta is supporting Dalli's case and is against the way how the Commission had managed the case. Malta is democratic country not like the EU. Malta believes in the fundamental rights of the individual not like your Commission. So pl. don't repeat that
Joe A. Borg
Oct 25th 2012, 16:46
Dalli is NOT the Government and vice-versa.
Is not Dalli there in his own capacity?
Alfred Fenech
Oct 25th 2012, 16:41
Wrong, It is Mr Gonzi who agrees with Baroso the Dalli"s resignation is closed. and not Ma;lta.
He is innocent until proven guilty. Tinren l-affari. Qarrusa magla qtates ghomja taghmel,
We will see Borg back in time for elections.
J Martinelli
Oct 25th 2012, 17:20
So, Mr Fenech, Malta and the EU should wait until a final verdict favouring Dalli is reached?
Whether Borg is back in time for elections or not, is immaterial but what is certain, is that Dalli's presence at the EU is not desired and his (former) position, 'untenable'. What's Labour's position?
Stick to the English language, which is noticeably better than your mangled Maltese.
George Cremona
Oct 25th 2012, 16:28
Eddie Privitera
"The 1981 Labour government had THE MAJORITY backing in parliament." and yet the 1981 Labour's MAJORITY in parliament hadn't the MAJORITY backing of the Maltese and Gozitan electorate.
mark borg
Oct 25th 2012, 17:21
still it was a hundred and ten times legitimate ....and rest assured that in that situation (in line with the constitution, the PN would have also served the term) in 1971 the Pn ordered some 10 recounts on the Zebbug district, as they were close to govern with majority in parlament even though they lost by some 8 thousand votes.
Maria Vassallo
Oct 25th 2012, 16:16
I thought the European Commissioner and his strict collaborators were more profesional than they seem to be.
There is an honourable way out Mr. Barroso et alia: RESIGN!
twanny borg
Oct 25th 2012, 15:55
li huwa importanti huwa r-rizultat tal-ag ghax jekk ma jsibx xejn biex jikrimina lil dalli allura l-gvern malti ghandu d-dmir favur is-sewwa u jirritalja billi jghid li dalli ma kellux jigi ordnat biex jirrezenja dak il-hin.
jew provi biss jew inkella xejn. mhux hekk mexa l-gvern f'kazijiet li tresqu ta' korruzzjoni?
Mr CHARLIE BORG
Oct 25th 2012, 16:32
Tahseb li GonziPn sa jehodha kontra l-EU ??
Jo Meli
Oct 25th 2012, 15:55
Ho Ho Ho - WISHFUL THINKING Barroso !
P Azzopardi
Oct 25th 2012, 16:26
wishful thinking for what ?
nahseb ha jitwerwer Barroso bil kumment tieghek.....lol lol...
George Joseph Cauchi
Oct 25th 2012, 16:54
I think the sooner we close this embarrasing chapter the better. Hope the police will move quickly on the report received from Brussels.
Franco Attard Trevisan
Oct 25th 2012, 15:51
Correction ... It's the prime minister who agreed that the case is closed NOT Malta!
P. Ciantar
Oct 25th 2012, 15:50
how many labour bloggers we have on the once hated Times of Malta that was burned by labour thugs.
Arsenio Ellul
Oct 25th 2012, 16:12
How democratic of you mr or mrs p.ciantar, so you like to hear only what pn bloggers have to say.
Kenneth Williams
Oct 25th 2012, 16:19
X ghandu x jaqsam??????? Ghax bhal li kieku ma nistghux nikkumentaw hux ???? Taf xi trid int taqra dak li tixtieq int...kollox kontra dalli.
J Martinelli
Oct 25th 2012, 17:00
It's the price of democracy which was nonexistent during successive Socialist regimes.
Heqq, mhux hekk? Min mhux maghna, kontra taghna. Ghid kelma wahda kontra l-gvern u tigi msawwat.
Now that they can nit pick, they are out in force waiting for a PL government which will censor PBS, papers and all means of communication coming from a non-Labour opposition!
The PL has to win the election first.
Anthony Paris
Oct 25th 2012, 17:06
So according to you, Mr Ciantar, if one supports the Labour Party, one is a thug, and is denied freedom of speech. Words like "fascists" and "anti democratic" that are frequently associated with the PN, are beginning to sound true, when one listens to the likes of you. Or may be you are a PN thug and not representative of PN supporters.
Anthony Grech
Oct 25th 2012, 21:51
P. Ciantar, We have Labour bloggers as many as GonziPN bloggers that for years and years (and not just once) hated this News Paper, its owner and founder to the point of inventing the biggest dirty lie in Maltese history in court against him.
P Pace Balzan
Oct 25th 2012, 15:45
The EU does not seems to realise that Malta is a democratic state.
For Malta to "agree" - a motion has to be approved by parliament.
twanny borg
Oct 25th 2012, 15:59
jekk issir votazzjoni l-maggoranza tal-parlamentari maltin jaqblu li dalli ma kellux jitnehha.
GL Calleja
Oct 25th 2012, 16:57
Twanny Borg that is funny? That is like the pot calling the kettle black.
J Martinelli
Oct 25th 2012, 17:10
Hogwash. If Parliament agrees that Dalli is innocent without first waiting for a conclusion of the investigation and total acquittal of all allegations, it will not be acting in a democratic fashion but rather it portrays Malta as a rogue State.
I suppose an LP majority govt would bypass the AG or the Police and decides on its own who is guilty and who is not?
A very exciting prospect indeed.
Carmel Camilleri
Oct 25th 2012, 15:36
Now it is clear that John Dalli has the support of many on the labour side.. It was not so in the past in the case of the Delimara power station. Can anyone guess the reason?
Eddy Privitera
Oct 25th 2012, 15:53
Carmel Camilleri: What is shameful is that John Dalli has not found support from his own party, of which he formed a very prominent part for many years !
Anthony Scicluna
Oct 25th 2012, 16:59
Instead, Eddy, he seems to be quite well placed with Labour. By his own admittance, Joseph Muscat was the first person who was called. Rather strange, isn't it? I wonder what would happen if Mr Dalli was found to be guilty. Would you be willing to declare publicly that Joseph Muscat resign for collaborating with a person found guilty of trading in influence? Or would you magic it away as usual?
Neville Cutajar
Oct 25th 2012, 15:26
That's what happens when a prim minister does not back up his own people to cover his own hide. He prefers sucking up to Europe than protect a Maltese citizen. I am not writing this in any partisan way because I do not believe in politics. But I believe that if a person is elected to protect my interests as a Maltese than he should. Imagine Dalli was Italian or German.
Ms Rudi Mcbeal
Oct 25th 2012, 15:25
Meanwhile, the creme de la creme of our population choose to continue with their usual conspiracy theories.
Amazing!
ANTHONY PAVIA
Oct 25th 2012, 16:23
Good idea to think out of the box sometimes. Clears the blue tint inside the head.
Robert Agius
Oct 25th 2012, 17:26
No conspiracy here. Just more dirt on Gonzi's hands, but he's experienced now.
Edwin Delia
Oct 25th 2012, 15:22
Dont u think we must end this Soap Opera now once and for all - we are sick and tired hearing about Dallas Dalli we have more things to work on like General Elections - Arriva - BWSC etc etc
Quit being diverted from reality as it soon will hit you
m. borg (slm)
Oct 25th 2012, 15:17
Why all the hurry for gonzipn get over this case,is there something we should know about the €60 million involved.?
What did Baroso say to the PM when he was last in Malta for the 5+5 meeting , "Co-operate with me or you'll go down too".?
This stinks like a month old dead fish
Mr Mario Mifsud
Oct 25th 2012, 15:15
Harold Wilson's famous quote comes to mind :Justice is not only to be done , but to be seen to be done.
Mr Mario Mifsud
Oct 25th 2012, 15:14
Mr Dalli is not being accused by OLAF of having committed a crime , but of infringement of the rules of his appointment. . Now being appointed a country commissioner in the EU Commission is a very select job with commensurate pay and not just any other job and so Mr Dalli must appreciate that no act on his part must be deemed to have been in any way irregular according to EU rules.
Eddy Privitera
Oct 25th 2012, 15:56
Mario: But, at least, Mr. Dalli should know on what basis were the conclusions reached. This is the basic requirement in a civil and democratic society. Or the EU should not be regarded as embracing such principles ?
Paul Azzopardi
Oct 25th 2012, 15:13
If This is really,case closed, then the public has the right to be told and explained to offically what has really happened. We the public have that right as JDalli was representing us ,Malta. We are to be in Judgement not the prime minister or cabenet only. I hope this isnt another for behind closed doors, again. Everytime there is a ''basuslu''involved things are quickly swept under the carpet.
Justin Spiteri
Oct 25th 2012, 14:58
Trying to make the water under the bridge go faster... making sure there's not enough time for someone to realise that it's been contaminated :).
G. Bugeja
Oct 25th 2012, 14:51
The Commission has now involved the Maltese Govt. to proof that the Comm. was right as regards JD's resignation. I don't think that this declaration is correct. Tthe people now expects the Government to explazin his position. The Opposition agreed to the Government's nomination. So indirectly even the Opposition has been involved. the Opposition is therefore obliged to explain it position.
S. Attard
Oct 25th 2012, 14:44
Aktar ma jinghad diskors mill-Kummissjohi, aktar johrog car il-mod skorrett u illegali li bih imxiet il-Kummissjoni. Ma tridx tkun legali mustaccun biex tintebah li l-Kummissjoni kisret diversi drittijiet fundamentali. tal-bniedem. Issa dahlet lill-Gvernf in-nofs dwar ir-rizenja. Nifhem li l-Gvern u l-Oppozizzjoni ghandhom jirreagixxu ghal dan. Il-poplu ghandu d-dritt ikun jaf il-verita.
J Martinelli
Oct 25th 2012, 14:38
It is obvious that the case at national and EU levels, is closed.
That does not mean that Mr Dalli has relinquished his right to pursue the issue of 'wrongful dismissal' by taking to court parties he deems responsible for this action, at his own expense, at a level of Court of his choice. If there was not sufficient cause for his 'resignation' then he has the right of compensation.
Joseph Brincat
Oct 25th 2012, 14:13
What we know
That Timmermans failed to properly inform the board about the details
That DALLI one way or another he had to resign
AND Gonzi pn accepted , what out knowing the truth
And the beat goes on , And the beat goes on
P Azzopardi
Oct 25th 2012, 16:16
can you plz change your tune .....this is the only song you can beat on
have u heard of ABBA sing .....money money money.......
x tahseb ?
Victor Laiviera
Oct 25th 2012, 14:13
Mr Bailly should be aware that the present Government in Malt represents nobody but itself. It does not even have a majority in the House, let alone among the electorate.
Carmel Camilleri
Oct 25th 2012, 15:24
Victor are you referring to the 1981 labour Government?
Eddy Privitera
Oct 25th 2012, 15:58
Carmel Camilleri: The 1981 Labour government had THE MAJORITY backing in parliament. Today GonziPN does not have a majority in parliament NOR in the country !!!!
Reuben Abela
Oct 25th 2012, 14:09
In my opinion they want this episode forgotten to avoid any further shame. I believe Dalli is innocent.
Albert Critien
Oct 25th 2012, 14:07
The more eagerness to cover up the more it stinks
Joseph Brincat
Oct 25th 2012, 13:55
@ Malta agrees, as evidenced by the fact that it has nominated a new commissioner,
So Gonzi pn agreed to put DILLI aside what out knowing the truth???
Run Gonzi pn run but you can not hide !!
j brincat
Oct 25th 2012, 13:43
"The European Commission considers the case of Mr Dalli's resignation from the post of European Commissioner as closed, and Malta agrees, as evidenced by the fact that it has nominated a new commissioner, an EU spokesman said today"
And 'Malta' represents whom?
A Malta which is led by a PN government which has clearly lost the majority in Parliament?
Is this Malta?
(jb)
(jb).
Carmel Camilleri
Oct 25th 2012, 15:31
Sur Brincat we had lived for five yrs and six months with a labour Government which governed against the wish of the majority of the Maltese. So far as we know this Government is still backed by both the majority in Parliament and by the people.
Joseph Brincat
Oct 25th 2012, 15:45
Carmel Camilleri
still backed by both the majority in Parliament and by the people.
ARE you living in MALTA ???
Eddy Privitera
Oct 25th 2012, 16:00
Carmel Camilleri: As far as YOU know ! Why doesn't GonziPN bring to the vote certain Bills and motions ?? You're just fooling yourself and not unbiased readers of your comments.
C Muscat
Oct 25th 2012, 13:36
EU judge and jury...
Malta's top brass traitors not to back up with Dalli.
Gonzi has chosen Dalli and if Dalli is at fault Gonzi must go as well!!!
Charles Cremona
Oct 25th 2012, 13:25
So now we know. Dalli should now shut up as it could cost him the generous package and pension from the EU.
j brincat
Oct 25th 2012, 13:44
AND who are you to order people around to shut up. Why don't you start first?
(jb)
R Casha
Oct 25th 2012, 13:46
And what if he's innocent....remember that anyone is innocent until proven guilty.
paul camilleri
Oct 25th 2012, 13:50
sir would you shut up if you was called a fraudster when your not?? how naive some people are in accepting what someone else says as sacro sant? open your eyes and maybe you can see who is committing a fraud, but again being Maltese you can probably only see as far as your nose.
Edward Mallia
Oct 25th 2012, 14:09
Perhaps John Dalli is not such a mercenary soul as you make him out to be and prefers to pursue the truth than enjoy the "generous severance package". This constant urging to 'shut up or pay up' smacks of trying to protect a rickety case. Why does Barroso not take Dalli at face value and sack him? Clealrly he has the power to do so.
Mr Joe Scerri
Oct 25th 2012, 14:17
Ever heard of corporate bullying?
Joseph Brincat
Oct 25th 2012, 14:22
Charles Cremona
@ So now we know.
They are doing it in there way & Dalli is doing it in his waw >> Charles Cremona
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aht9hcDFyVw&feature=related
Mr Kevin Zammit
Oct 25th 2012, 14:35
@Charles
bullying!!!!
I wish I was bullied with 9000 euros a month!
Richard Galea
Oct 25th 2012, 14:39
Mr Cremona...Whom do you think Mr. Dalli is?.....You think he is one of the many civil servants who struggle and brown noseing the ministers all their lives for a good pension?
Charles Grixti
Oct 25th 2012, 16:24
I agree, this case is closed. And this is not an insult to Malta or its people as many here seem to think. An employer (this time the EU Comm.) has a right to fire or demand a resignation for any perceived reason, even if just a suspicion and in most private companies abroad do this all the time too, saying 'you are not a good fit' or do not uphold the company philosphy strongly enough, etc.
Please choose the reason of your report below: