Borg’s nomination hinges on Socialists
Would-be European Commissioner must win MEPs’ support
Tonio Borg’s bid to become Malta’s third European Commissioner depends on the support of Socialist MEPs in the three committees grilling him on Tuesday.
Sources close to the European Parliament told The Sunday Times that Dr Borg’s approval is far from certain and he is in for a tough session.
Despite spending recent days in Brussels meeting MEPs individually, it still appears that Liberals – the third strongest grouping in the EP – are reluctant to support Dr Borg.
The 55-year-old is now banking on the Socialists, who together with the European People’s Party MEPs, command a majority in the Brussels chamber.
Dr Borg – an MP for the past 20 years and one of the most prominent Maltese politicians – has been nominated to occupy the Commission seat vacated by John Dalli’s forced resignation last month.
Mr Dalli resigned after an investigation by the EU’s anti-fraud agency concluded he was aware that his former canvasser had asked a Swedish tobacco company for a substantial amount of money to change legislation. The former commissioner strenuously denies the allegations.
For Tuesday’s hearing, Dr Borg is expected to be well prepared on the health and consumer affairs portfolio, as he is being giving the necessary briefing by some of the most experienced staff who used to assist Mr Dalli.
However, some MEPs appear to be interested in tripping up the seasoned politician by picking on his past declarations on homosexuality, gay and civil rights, which they find conservative and objectionable.
Although sources close to the Socialist group in Brussels told The Sunday Times that Malta’s MEPs in the group are doing their fair share to convince colleagues to support Dr Borg’s nomination, there are still some objections, particularly from members forming part of the LGBT inter-group.
The inter-group consists of more than 100 MEPs and is presided over by prominent British Socialist MEP Michael Cashman, who also commands political clout within the Socialist group.
Dr Borg met Mr Cashman – possibly his biggest threat – over the past week and tried to explain his position on all issues the LGBT lobby is objecting to. However, it is not known whether this was enough to get the actor-turned-politician on board.
The only safe votes Dr Borg can bank on are those of the EPP, the largest group within the European Parliament to which the Nationalist Party belongs.
MEP Simon Busuttil accompanied Dr Borg to all his meetings with prominent EPP parliamentarians and convinced the majority of them to support the Maltese nomination.
While the Liberals and Greens are not expected to support Dr Borg, the support of Socialists has become crucial.
“It will all depend on how the Socialists vote next Tuesday. If Labour MEPs manage to convince the majority to vote in favour, then Dr Borg is safe. This is not certain even though MEP Louis Grech is doing his utmost to get the required support,” the sources said.
The Labour Party has declared its support for Dr Borg’s nomination, but it is still unclear if this will be reflected in Brussels.
On Tuesday, Dr Borg will be grilled by members of three parliamentary committees: Envi (environment, health and food safety), Imco (internal market and consumer affairs) and Agri (agriculture). In preparation for this meeting, Dr Borg replied in writing to a questionnaire sent by MEPs.
Now, MEPs will have three hours to ask all other questions they wish.
At the end of the meeting the group coordinators in all three committees will discuss the nomination and write a report with their recommendation.
Their decision is normally rubber-stamped by the chamber a week later in Strasbourg, though the process will not be straightforward if the appointment remains controversial.
If Dr Borg is not approved, Malta will have to make a fresh nomination.
Extracts from Dr Borg’s answers to MEPs’ questionnaire
• “Fundamentally I have, throughout my political career, fought for and defended European values as reflected in the Treaties, with their highest expression now contained in the Charter of Fundamental Rights.”
• “As Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the House of Representatives, I was regularly involved in matters of health and consumer protection. They form an integral part of the value of solidarity, on which the EU is based and which needs to be defended vigorously, in particular in the current context of fiscal austerity.”
• “A successful health and consumer policy requires close cooperation with many other Commissioners to ensure such issues are reflected in all policies. I look forward to this challenge as throughout my political career I have always cherished and developed a strong culture of dialogue and consensus both with my colleagues and my political adversaries.”
Declaration of interests
Previous Activities:
• Member of Nationalist Party
• Member of Chamber of Advocates
• Honorary member of Lija, Balzan, Birkirkara band clubs
Posts held in educational institutions:
• Part-time senior lecturer in Public Law – University of Malta
Directorships:
• Media Link Ltd
• Euro Tours Ltd
Financial Interests:
• 4,800 HSBC shares valued at €13,440
• €2,500 nominal bonds of 7.5 per cent Med Investment Holdings Ltd
• €6,500 nominal bonds of 7.5 per cent Med Investment Holdings Ltd
• €14,000 nominal bonds of HSBC Finance 4.5 per cent
• €7,000 nominal bonds Citigroup 4.75 per cent
• €21,000 nominal bonds of National Australia Bank 4.75 per cent
• €17,000 nominal bonds Irish Government 4.5 per cent
• €8,000 nominal bonds Greece 5.5 per cent
• 2,267.393 units of La Valletta Sterling Income Fund
• €4,500 nominal bonds of BoV 4.8 per cent
Assets:
• Residence in Lija
• Small undivided share of property subject to emphyteusis/lease in Guardamangia, St Paul’s Bay, Valletta, Sliema with total income of €55.
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Alfred J. McEwen
Nov 12th 2012, 12:02
Alfred J. Mcewen
Malta should get out of the EU as they are nothing else but a bunch of dictatorial losers.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 13th 2012, 11:12
@Alfred JMcEwen.
Malta should get in there and fight for its rights. Running away from "a bunch of dictators" is not in the Maltese or in the NP tradition.
Kenneth Williams
Nov 11th 2012, 23:24
Mela is socjalisti kattolici biex qed jistenn as l vot taghhom spicca shabu hallewh nofs triq.
pat muscat
Nov 11th 2012, 20:48
Although the PL discusses with Dr Tonio Fenech in the local Parliament, and sometimes they do not agree , it is a great sign of maturity to have the PL support Dr Tonio Borg's nomination as a Commissioner. It is the only way forward for all of us. Let us all grow up as a nation.
Patrick Zammit
Nov 12th 2012, 10:27
This has nothing to do with maturity.
Politicians from both sides always agree together when it is for their common good (as opposed to the nation's good).
B. Farrugia
Nov 11th 2012, 20:11
With his attitude and personal ideolgy I can`t see how he can be accepted.
Lucienne Dimech
Nov 11th 2012, 18:53
For those who don't agree with me and call me banal thank you I do not care about your opinion I just viewed mine . This is a democratic country where even I have freedom of expression.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 11th 2012, 18:18
Evidently and sadly although the LP leaders are supporting Dr Toni Borg's nomination in the national interest their followers on this blog are out of step. They are still dazzled with a blinding party propaganda mantra that whatever the Nationalist Party does must always be wrong and must be blindly opposed.
Joseph Grech Attard
Nov 11th 2012, 17:23
Where are those who call us LP supporters 'elves,' 'marmalja,' and other degrading names? The LP MEPa are working towards gaining support for a GonziPN, intellectual minister. Does this matter to them?
Denis Pace
Nov 11th 2012, 22:04
LP supporters and MEPs are different brands. Elves are elves.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 12th 2012, 18:19
The LP commentators are still there in these comments, still being criticised this time for scuppering their own leaders' positive effort to present a united front with the NP in the national interest.
Alex Ellul
Nov 11th 2012, 17:14
EU: funding crisis as talks collapse
The European Union faces a full-scale funding crisis after talks in Brussels aimed at settling next year’s budget ended in acrimony and walkouts.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/9669458/EU-funding-crisis-as-talks-collapse.html
This is the humanists'/socialists' europe.. it is in tatters
Alex Ellul
Nov 11th 2012, 17:10
Europe is on the brink of financial collapse, the humanists' and socialists' worries are about a Catholic whom they are opposing like he's got the plague when this collapse is the result of long years of increasing socialist policies all over Europe. Now even France is on the brink of a credit crunch which leaves only Germany to pump the gravy to the suckling P.I.G.S. Barroso needs booting out
Alex Ellul
Nov 11th 2012, 17:02
Welcome to the new religion, anti-Christian anti-human 'humanism'.
A self-centred religion believes in the nothingness of neo-socialist dogma that replaced european communist ideology naming itself 'humanist' when in fact it is nothing but anti-human. This reminds me of how tyrannical communist dictators named themselves: "The People's Democratic Republic of........"
Different garb, same men
Joseph Aquilina
Nov 11th 2012, 17:00
Once again we see how socialism never see what is good for the country, never sees the quality of a person but simply check if that person is also a socialist. This is what will happen in Malta as well should lejber ever make it to power!! People given positions not because they have the qualifications for such a position but simply because they are lejber!!
m. borg (slm)
Nov 11th 2012, 17:25
There is nothing to write home about Tonio, personnally I hope he makes for the sake of the nation, we cannot afford further embarassement, as regards Tonio can take a hike.
The past always catchs up, so if anything one must be careful how to act and what to declare.
m. borg (slm)
Nov 11th 2012, 16:53
OK anybody want to make a bet that:
1. If Tonio makes it it will be all thanks to to gonzipn and Tonio's sterling character. 10 to 1
2.If Tonio doen't make it it is all PL's and Joseph's fault . 100 to 1 ?
J Busuttil
Nov 11th 2012, 17:32
Correct. Bull's eye
Denis Pace
Nov 11th 2012, 22:04
Correct
Joseph Muscat has little standing with European Socialists
Joseph Camilleri
Nov 11th 2012, 23:41
or alternatively:
1. if Tonio makes it it will be thanks to the hard work of the MLP's MEPs within the Socialist group, 10 to 1
2. if Tonio doesn't make it it will be GonziPN having shamed Malta again by nominating the wrong person.
It's all a matter of perspective after all...
Mr l Azzopardi
Nov 11th 2012, 16:45
In the real world many of our so called values are rightly frowned upon. Reason being they take humanity back a good 40 years. No rethoric will ever change this.
Lets hope our reality check next Tuesday won't result in another humiliation for Malta.
j brincat
Nov 11th 2012, 16:28
And what a nerve must they have to rely on the support of the Socialists!
Have they (the PN) forgotten that any Socialist was labled by them as communist?
How time changes!
Why should the Socialists support an ultra conservative - socialists and conservatives are a different type of breed and they don't mix?
(jb)
Alex Ellul
Nov 11th 2012, 17:04
how correct, conservatives built this civilisation, socialists destroy it...........
Joseph Grech Attard
Nov 11th 2012, 17:28
Conservatives have always built DISASTROUS and CORRUPT civilisations which socialists try to destroy!! Do not forget that adjectves are important to define to perfection!
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 11th 2012, 21:06
@Joseph Grech Attard.
Which socialist parties have you in mind as trying to destroy your DISASTROUS and CORRUPT civilisations? Do you mean the German National SOCIALIST Workers Party (Nazis to you) or the government of the Union of Soviet SOCIALIST Republics (Communist Russia to you)?
Joe Grech
Nov 11th 2012, 16:26
Although MEPs do ask many questions to the prospective Commissioners bad selections do happen. Cecilia Malmstrom had, during questioning time before MEPs insisted she would bring about ''Solidarity'' and ''Burden Sharing'' in immigration. Her policies did not come about. But she's still there affecting Europe so negatively with impractical & irresponsible ''policies'' that never materiaized!
Joe Grech
Nov 11th 2012, 15:48
Merkel, Hollande pl. note: How can the EU function effectively when new Commissioners are given private tuition days before they are selected for crucially important posts: when lawyers with no economic training are auditing EU finances; when so many different Lobbies keep pushing their own agendas?
EU politicians are just that: Lousy politicians!
mark borg
Nov 11th 2012, 13:53
spiccaw sew tal gonzipn- dan jeqred ghal voti tas socjalist go l-ewropa u gonzi jeqred ghal voti tal membri parlamentari tieghu stess, halli forsi jkaxkar sa l-ahhar !
Joe M Borg
Nov 11th 2012, 16:35
U Muscat jerqd ghal dak is-siggu! Il-PL ilhpom jeqirdu ghal dak is-siggu mindu tilfuh fl1998, tort tal-inkompetenza grassa taghhom!
Joseph Aquilina
Nov 11th 2012, 16:56
mhux forsi, although lejber has done its best to bring the government down; the government will still do the full tenure!!
leo briffa
Nov 11th 2012, 13:53
Mr. Tonio Borg is now caught up in a stupid fight. On one part the PN no longer need him because they want a new vice leader and an eventual successor. on the other hand he is not really well liked in EU since he is too good for their values. he might end up with nothing, probably best thing that can happen to him.
Sorry Mr. Borg, this is politics.
Patrick Zammit
Nov 11th 2012, 13:05
This is all a show to impress the gullible. Dr Borg will pass his "grilling" and have access to the EU's gravy train funded by the same taxpayer who is being asked to tighten his belt due to austerity measures imposed on national govts by the EU which demands more and more increases to its own budget.
The EU's auditors have refused to sign the EU's accounts for the past consecutive 18 years.
ANTHONY PAVIA
Nov 11th 2012, 12:53
Has the STOM already reached the conclusion that Borg will not be appointed? Is that why the heading implies blame on "Socialists" (in most STOM readers' eyes, the PL) for Borg's potential non appointment?
Also, I find asset disclosure rather naive. Even in Malta, via our very own financial services, one may hide whatever he fancies, let alone assume ignorance by financially savvy MEPs.
Ronald Zammit
Nov 11th 2012, 12:40
"The 55-year-old is now banking on the Socialists, who together with the European People’s Party MEPs, command a majority in the Brussels chamber "............... HOW VERY INTERESTING AND CONVENIENT !!!! AS THE SAYING GOES..........BEGGARS CAN'T BE CHOOSERS
P. Vincenti
Nov 11th 2012, 12:37
It seems that the extremist liberals are unable to keep religion out of politics. The remit of the commissioner has nothing to do with what he believes. it has nothing to do with his role. It is not as if he would be working to prohibit homosexuals from smoking. It is not as though he has a say on things like abortion.
This is the level of politics we have dropped to. This is humanism.
John Zammit Ph.D.
Nov 11th 2012, 15:45
Paul Vincenti at last the anti-abortion lobby is losing and that will be the end of your lobby group! If we LIBERALS - www.maltaliberals.org - are not strong in Malta in Europe and the world we are the third largest. Even in the USA the ant-abortion group have lost when President Obama was re-elected for another term and now they are going to organise a demonstration. Did they invite you?!?
Ramon Casha
Nov 11th 2012, 15:55
Quite the opposite. It is Tonio Borg who has proven time and again that he can't keep his religion out of politics, and this is what is causing his problems. Europe does not want the Vatican dictating its health policies.
charles caruana
Nov 11th 2012, 16:45
@John Zammit Ph.D.
For a Ph.D, you seem to be seriously challenged in your historical education. Remember a certain Roman Empire, the greatest yet seen, that crucified a certain Jesus Christ? Where is the Roman Empire now, while Christ's Church is globally widespead? It will take more than a self-congratulatory liberal lobby or Obama's re-election to cancel Christ's condemnation of abortion.
joseph saliba
Nov 11th 2012, 12:17
It seems that socialists have always confused politics with religion. Or another way of saying it still using political feelings against religion
Mr J Xerri
Nov 11th 2012, 15:46
For your information members of of the LGBT group come from SIX political Groups (EPP, S&D, ALDE, Greens/EFA, GUE/GNL, ECR, as well as one non-attached Member), and from 22 different Member States
Lucienne Dimech
Nov 11th 2012, 12:06
We made the wrong choice. One must appreciate that outside Malta religion and politics are truly separated. One does not send a holier than thou person and expect otherwise. We are not choosing a bishop here
Andy Farrugia
Nov 11th 2012, 13:01
On what rational criteria, as opposed to irrational pet hates, do you describe one as being "a holier than thou person"? Your prejudicial and banal assessment of the nominee just unmasks your warped view of other human beings and basic concepts of democratic freedoms and choice.
Joseph Calleja
Nov 11th 2012, 15:20
as they separate here too, dear. it is but a common thing here on these islands to want the goose and gander.
G Schembri
Nov 11th 2012, 19:58
@Joseph Calleja they are not so separated here dear sir. Considering a couple have to get a Catholic annulment before asking for a civil one. At least the people spoke and both Tonio Borg and Lawrence Gonzi had to obey the public vote in favour of divorce. Thanks to JPO.
francis Buhagiar
Nov 11th 2012, 11:51
It is good to have an Mp who tastes the EU. bitter medicine the hunters and trappers are suffering. You asked for it now you have to pay for it. The rules are equal for every body in the Eu.
Jimmy Ventura
Nov 11th 2012, 11:28
Why nobody in mentioning the Greens here?
Dominic Fenech
Nov 11th 2012, 11:02
I for one disagree with Tonio Borg's stand on the subjects mentioned here, but like many I should be totally cross if his nomination were shot down on any grounds other than those which have to do with the health portfolio. One commissioner sacked on flimsy charges and his successor blocked on irrelevant ones is more than my comfort with the European Union may survive.
Ramon Casha
Nov 11th 2012, 15:56
The issues in question have everything to do with his portfolio
Jeffrey Mallia
Nov 11th 2012, 10:54
94000 euro assets ........so Mr Borg managed to save 4700 yearly in the past 20 years ......Hard to swallow that !!
Jon Briffa
Nov 11th 2012, 10:47
Lookin good with the church, fooled around Europe. Well done Tonio.
Out with the old, IN with the new.
Mr Anthony Briffa
Nov 11th 2012, 10:44
Now its the time for the MLP to show that they really support Dr. Borg's nomination. They are still in time to lobby in Brussels for a positive vote from the Socialist Group.
Willie Grech
Nov 11th 2012, 12:27
@ Mr. Anthony Briffa.
"MEP Louis Grech is doing his utmost to get the required support,” the sources said."
I hope this answers your query. Let's all hope also that when the tables are turned and one day there would be a Labour candidate involved, the PN would act the same.
Mr Anthony Briffa
Nov 11th 2012, 15:08
All I can say is well done to Mr. Grech. What about the other three Labour MEP's? Are they doing the same.
I consider that we should also go above partisan politics when there is the national interest at stake.
Willie Grech
Nov 11th 2012, 16:25
@ Mr. Anthony Briffa.
Did you read the article at all? Maybe this will help: "that Malta’s MEPs in the group are doing their fair share to convince colleagues to support Dr Borg’s nomination,"
Hope you start "go above partisan politics when there is the national interest at stake." and read carefully the article and then write.
Henry S Pace
Nov 11th 2012, 10:19
Being a man with true moral value does not qualify in the EU.
Thomas More (St) sure would not have qualified for any post in the EU - the Godlee continent.
Ronnie Callus
Nov 11th 2012, 10:15
Augur you the best through this hard grill- Dr.Tonio.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 11th 2012, 09:58
This intelligent evaluation of Dr T Borg's prospects must be a severe damper on the premature conclusions of local secularists, LGBT, abortionists, anti-Catholics etc who assume that the rejection of Malta's nominee a foregone conclusion. It is most encouraging that all our MEPs are pulling on the same rope in this matter of common national interest.
Anthony Mizzi
Nov 11th 2012, 10:24
Intelligent evaluation ?
: )
Andy Farrugia
Nov 11th 2012, 11:02
"To portray him as a dinosaur is an insult to dinosaurs." Joseph Carmel Chetcuti'.
Your insults just keep reminding people of the kind of individual you are. But, it is hardly surprising, as your vicious diatribes and invective are an insult to humanity as a whole.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 11th 2012, 11:38
@AnthonyMizzi.
What is there beyond your powers of comprehension in the report so that he or I could patiently elaborate?
Anthony Falzon
Nov 11th 2012, 09:51
One of the things that the E.U. socialists mentioned re Dr.Borg's application is that he is against abortion, can the maltese socialist party please inform us if it is for or against abortion? If they are against abortion it might help Dr.Borg if their E.U socialists friends know it, if on the other hand they are in favour of abortion it might be interesting to know.
Andy Farrugia
Nov 11th 2012, 10:30
The EU has no competence on abortion, same-sex marriage, euthanasia and divorce. These issues remain firmly and securely within the competence and decisions of individual member states. Just because some intolerant, despotic and delinquent organisations (Humanists, ILGA, FPPA) say so does not change in any way the state of things.
Anthony Galea
Nov 11th 2012, 11:54
Tell that to those want Tonio to get out of the Commission, Andy.
Andy Farrugia
Nov 11th 2012, 12:36
@ Anthony Galea
I do not need to specify the terms of competencies and responsibilities to any of those who have been elected to fulfill them.
Lawrence Ellul
Nov 11th 2012, 20:03
For your informationthe Maltese socialist party has always said that they are against abortion, but it might be interesting to know if Dr. Borg is still against divorce as he voted agaist it in the referendum held in Malta, or has he changed his opinion ?
Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO
Nov 11th 2012, 09:48
I would say that TB's nomination hinges more on the true genuine deep felt support that Barroso, Van Rumpoy and the EPP are willing to provide and thus stick their neck out for TB.For if they do so a backroom agreement will certainly be struck with the Socialist group who would not want any future retorsion in kind on any nominee from their group. EU Realpolitik and our gov must work on it.
Antoine Vella
Nov 11th 2012, 09:24
i find it very difficult to believe that the MEPs who supported and agreed with the nomination of John Dalli should be against Tonio Borg.
I find it difficult to believe that their is no hypocrisy in all the shrill self-righteousness expressed by so-called Liberals and Socialists.
Anthony Mizzi
Nov 11th 2012, 10:22
so-called Liberals and Socialists.?????
Now that's said in a true Maltese DemoCHRISTIAN SPIRIT!
A M Bonello
Nov 11th 2012, 09:22
Honorary member of Lija, Balzan, Birkirkara band clubs.......that will help.
Jon Briffa
Nov 11th 2012, 10:46
lol
L Borissova
Nov 11th 2012, 14:49
indeed! :))
Please choose the reason of your report below: