MEPs still denied access to Dalli report
Michael Theurer, a Liberal MEP and chairman of the EP's Budgetary Control Committee, has criticised EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso for continuing to deny access to the OLAF document on John Dalli.
In a statement, he said it was "unacceptable" that the request of the European Parliament to have access, under appropriate conditions, to the OLAF was refused.
"It is Parliament's duty to control the actions of the Commission. In such circumstances it is not possible to conduct a democratic check of decisions," complained Mr Theurer. "The rules may need to be reviewed so that any case of this kind should be communicated immediately to the presidents of the Commission and Parliament at the same time as the judicial authorities."
"Safeguarding the highest level of transparency and trust in our democratic procedures and structures is of the highest importance if we are to ensure confidence in the European institutions," he concluded.
The MEPs had requested access to the file ahead of a meeting with Mr Barrosso but the meeting was held without such access being granted. The report led to Mr Dalli's resignation from the European Commission on October 16 after it was claimed that there was clear, circumstantial evidence that Mr Dalli was aware of attempts at trading in influence by a Maltese businessman, since identified as Silvio Zammit. Mr Dalli denies the claims.
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mark borg
Nov 17th 2012, 07:31
EU = NEW USSR
Edward Mallia
Nov 16th 2012, 18:29
A temporary substitute for JD was appointed immediately. If our Govt. had any self respect it would have waited until the matter was properly sorted out, with all relevant information published. Then if JD was seen to be clearly in the wrong, a replacement put forward. The unseemly haste in putting forward a replacement smacks of servility towards Barroso & disrespect towards JD.
Joe Felice-Pace
Nov 17th 2012, 08:46
Could Malta afford not having a Commissioner when the EU Budget is being discussed?
Saviour Cachia
Nov 16th 2012, 18:27
If they are worth their salt, the Members of European Parliament should not vote before the John Dalli case is clarified. How can they replace Dalli with a new Commissioner, when he is not proved yet guilty and the MEPs do not know all the facts? Easy, the Vice Commissioner will continue where Dalli has arrived so far, obviously not perpetrating any wrong doing if such is the case.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 17th 2012, 06:42
That is precisely the aim of the tobacco lobby, i.e. to obstruct the reactivation of the Tobacco Directive first by lobbying-bribing, then using OLAF to discredit and remove the EU Commissioner steering it and next by obstructing the appointment of a successor!
E. Azzopardi
Nov 16th 2012, 17:53
Anyway, sooner or later it will have to come out .
What is the problem with making it public after so much time? Democracy at its best, in my opinion.
But we are MALTA and it seems we have nobody with galls to stand up to them. Shame. Mr Dalli is one of us.
Joe Calleja
Nov 16th 2012, 17:09
And the same MEP's group, the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party (ALDE) have announced their intention to vote against Tonio Borg's nomination, whilst the Socialists are now having second thoughts. Coincidence? Hmmmm... interesting developments. So, not so much a disappointment Mr.W. Cauchi ...yet.
william cauchi
Nov 16th 2012, 15:52
"Not only must Justice be done; it must also be seen to be done."
In this OLAF is a total failure and if this is accepted and tolerated by those in charge of the EU, then I must sorely admit that I for one made a big mistake when I voted in favour.
What a big disappointment.
Albert Critien
Nov 16th 2012, 15:11
Mr Camilleri, I cannot agree with you more
M camilleri
Nov 16th 2012, 15:06
Europe = Anarchy
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 16th 2012, 15:26
The European Commission as practiced by OLAF is not an anarchy - it is a ruthless dictatorship and an administrative monster run amok and insisting that it is not answerable not even to its own parliament.
Joe Grech
Nov 16th 2012, 14:59
Many people are asking: Why is Baroso acting this way? Is the deadlock the result of lobbying - and possibly worse - by the tobacco companies involved?
Are politicians like Merkel, Hollande, Cameroon....simply looking elsewhere?
ANTHONY PAVIA
Nov 16th 2012, 15:27
My thoughts exactly. But I would widen my horizons to include the Mediterranean.
paul camilleri
Nov 16th 2012, 14:52
the reason that ALAUGH ( OLAF) and messrs Kessler and Barosso have not produced the report to the Liberal MEP is because they know they jumped the gun and acted in favour of the tobaco barons.
Please choose the reason of your report below: