Socialist leader explains group's decision
Hannes Swoboda, leader of the socialist group in parliament said today that "Commissioner-designate Tonio Borg left open questions ahead of the vote on his nomination.
Last night the S&D Group voted 62-24 not to support Dr Borg as Commissioner, making the outcome of the vote very uncertain.
Members of the Socialist Group will be free to vote according to their individual assessments of Dr Borg's performance and declarations. The vote will be taken between Noon and 12.15 p.m. and will be carried live on timesofmalta.com
Hannes Swoboda, who had backed Dr Borg, said:
"The S&D Group acknowledges Mr Borg's performance during his hearing and took note of his declaration that his personal views would not interfere with his duties as Commissioner, if appointed. But gender equality and the rights of women and homosexuals are still under fire from a part of Europe's right wing and the S&D Group wants to see the position filled by someone with a track record on respecting and furthering these rights."
Ahead of today's vote in the European Parliament plenary session, he continued:
"Should Mr Borg be confirmed by a majority of the European Parliament, we will co-operate with him in his area of competence. He will then have the duty and opportunity to convince the many citizens who have voiced doubts about his position and his commitment to fundamental rights."
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Paul Azzopardi
Nov 22nd 2012, 04:37
Okay, so now politicians representing us can't have the same religious beliefs that we do?
Carmel Grima
Nov 21st 2012, 16:15
Shame on you Swoboda !
Ing Carmel Grima
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 22nd 2012, 15:16
Shame for what? For being one of a minority of socialists who exceptionally voted in favour of Malta's nominee as opposed to the main socialists who disregarded even the appeals of the Malta LP MEPs? Whose side are you on?
Mark. Galea
Nov 21st 2012, 13:52
Joseph Muscat should have asked Hannes Swoboda to resign ... ooops forgot PL did not pay the Socialist Membership fee ...
John Zammit
Nov 21st 2012, 15:35
Don't be naive and keep your self informed. Even the EU socialist did not pay Socialist International
Simon Ciantar
Nov 21st 2012, 12:31
what is happening here is simply outragous , all Christians and people with certain values should speak up. this is the problem the socialists and liberals are too loud we need to voice our opinion also , because europe is becoming a socilist totalarian state
Alex Borg
Nov 21st 2012, 13:46
One man's food is another man's poison, they say. In other word's what is perfectly logical to one person, is illogical to another. But that is why, it is, and should be, a free world. where one is free to express opinions, not insults. FYI the socialist group does not have a majority, so your fear of a socialist totalitarian state is totally unfounded.
John Spiteri
Nov 21st 2012, 12:04
Tonio Borg has been told you can have an opinion as long as the opinion is that of the left. This is a contradiction to democratic freedom!. Another example is that every one has rights except the unborn. If you have a moral conscience that disagrees with abortion or are a christian you shouldn't be alowed to speak! Goodbye democracy hello socialist totalitarianism!
Joseph Vassallo, (Bugibba)
Nov 21st 2012, 12:32
Yep! That is the way the cookie is crumbling... sad but true.
J. Sciberras
Nov 21st 2012, 11:57
Dark day of shame for the Socialist Group. The disrespect for divergent views in this case will have a serious backlash on the European Parliament's credibility as being a truly representative forum of diverse viewpoints. The message is that - if you dont have socialist views, agree to promote divorce, abortion, and all sorts of other values they cherish, you have no place in the EU.
M Borg
Nov 21st 2012, 18:49
Well they have been proved wrong. Dr Borg is against abortion and he still got his place in the EU.
Joseph Vassallo, (Bugibba)
Nov 21st 2012, 11:55
Are these the MEPs whom we pay handsomely to observe/enforce the constitution of a united Europe?
First he listened and was favourably impressed.
Then he wasn't sure so he asked for a written declaration.
Then he was satisfied so he was going to vote in favour.
Then he wanted him monitored, so he wasn't satisfied after all.
Now he is going to vote against.
The mind boggles!
Tony Borg Borg
Nov 21st 2012, 13:51
Mr. Vassallo x'tistena min Socjalist. Jew taqbel maghhom jew ikissruk.
Salvu Sciberras
Nov 21st 2012, 11:47
What a bland explanation! He himself does not seem convinced of what he is saying. No wonder, he had already expressed his satisfaction with Tonio's answers.
S Portelli
Nov 21st 2012, 11:40
Are catholics not being discriminated? So here we are saying that unless you agree with abortion you cannot form part of Europe.
Respecting rights means that when some countries in sourthern europe are faced with migration northern countries share the burden not only criticise and say they cannot share. Rights means as well the opportunity to give a chance for a human being to live.
Henry S Pace
Nov 21st 2012, 11:37
This MEP is somewhat confused in his decision . The EU cannot afford such people with a confused mind.
PLEASE RESIGN.
Paul Meilak
Nov 21st 2012, 11:28
John Dalli is haunted by guilt for having inadvertently caused the case of fraud on Swedish Tobacco company ; a situation that forced him to flee the seat of European Commissioner a couple of weeks ago.
Now what will happens if this saga has continued even with Dr. Borg ?
Any further investigations by OLAF ? or maybe OLAF itself should be investigated ?
paul camilleri
Nov 21st 2012, 11:58
i would like to correct you Mr Meilak, Mr Dalli did not flea as you claim but was forced out and do you have inside knowledge that Mr Dalli did in fact inadvertently cause the case of fraud on Swedish Tobacco?
as for Dr Borg he is being pelted by the Nordic countries so that this particular tobacco company can get its way and postponing the directive proposed by Dalli.
S Scerri
Nov 21st 2012, 12:19
What does OLAF have to do with Dr. Borg's nomination?
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 22nd 2012, 08:36
@SScerri
OLAF did not have anything to do with Dr Borg's nomination. That was the choice of the Malta government. OLAF is mired up to its neck as the cause for the shelving the Smoke Directive whilst the socialist alliance in the EU parliament kept obstructing for as long as possible the confirmation of Dr T Borg.
Raymond Bezzina
Nov 21st 2012, 11:28
The above article mentions "gender equality".
As far as I know "gender equality" automatically also includes the right of the continuous development to life, from moment of conception onwards, of all those persons still unborn. Anything less than this would be a sheer violation of the fundamental human rights.
Do not do to others what you do not want others do to you.
Pierre Vassallo
Nov 21st 2012, 11:27
Swoboda speaks about defending human rights whilst at the same attacking Toni Borg's right for an opinion. A typical hypocrite!
Giovanni Rizzo
Nov 21st 2012, 11:48
Agree with you Mr. Vassallo.
Joseph Grech Attard
Nov 21st 2012, 11:26
We have given a free vote on divorce in Malta. The Socialist group has also been given a free vote on Dr. Borg's nomination. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. Everyone should be consistent in one's views and opinions. Playing heads and tails, especially in crucial political matters, does not help anyone at all, from all sides.
M camilleri
Nov 21st 2012, 11:22
Get us out of this evil EU.
J Giardina
Nov 21st 2012, 11:17
'Not in my backyard', huh Mr Swoboda.
Alfred Falzon
Nov 21st 2012, 11:08
Barroso praises Dr Borg...
Socialist Leader Swoboda is "satisfied with Dr Borg's letter"...
Green co-founder Cohn Bendit sees no objection...and leaves in anger!
The PL of Malta feels optimistic due to its "clout" among its "brotherly" Socialist group...
Suddenly we are back to square ONE!
What sort of an EU is this?!
Bedlam?!
Alfred A Falzon
J Giardina
Nov 21st 2012, 11:08
“I think politics should make it very clear that we can't interfere in the freedom of expression.”
“If I am not following a certain religion, I still have to respect the people who follow that religion.”
Hannes Swoboda 09/26/2012 En.haberler.com
Care to explain your current then Mr Swoboda?
George Camilleri
Nov 21st 2012, 11:07
I don't think there is anything about human rights that Mr Svoboda can teach Dr Tonio Borg. This treatment is a thinly disguised expression of prejudice against Christians and small states like Malta. And when it comes to it, Dr Borg has as much right to oppose homosexuality and abortion as Mr Svoboda has to support them.
Joseph Galea
Nov 21st 2012, 11:06
Din l-UNJONI EWROPEJA li ridtu?
S Scerri
Nov 21st 2012, 12:20
Iva Grazzi!
J Martinelli
Nov 21st 2012, 13:38
Allura int xi trid, Joseph Galea?
Christian Attard
Nov 21st 2012, 11:05
To all those who are denying that Tonio Borg ever said anything disparaging about same-sex couples or never tried to impose his personal beliefs in the discharge of his duties:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX1jDXfsdjg
Evarist Saliba
Nov 21st 2012, 11:03
This oscillation between admiration and support one moment, and opposition the next, is evidence that there is no valid reason for objection to Tonio Borg as Commissioner. The power of the EP to censure Dr Borg should he not live up to his commitments will always be there, but his opponents want to deny the right to those not promoting their views to hold office.
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Nov 21st 2012, 11:08
You mean just like the Nationalists did in denying divorce to married couples who want them?
Peter Murray
Nov 21st 2012, 11:12
The vote will determine whether any reason -valid or not-will be applied as an objection to Borg as Commissioner- so why not just wait and see what the outcome is .
Michael Seychell
Nov 21st 2012, 11:17
Mr Saliba I aagree with you entirerly and add that Angela Merkle was right when she stated that the Christian religion is the most religion which is discriminated against in the whole world.
The reason for this is that Liberals are against the Christian values which in fact represent the natural values of mankind.
Shame on those who will not vote for Dr. Borg.
Michael Seychell Tal-Pieta
Joseph Vassallo, (Bugibba)
Nov 21st 2012, 12:12
M Seychell: The provenance of liberals is generally Christian and it is against that, that they have built their personal opposition.
Very few dare oppose other religions or even atheism, sometimes because of allegiances but sometimes because of fear of extremism.
They perceive Christians as the quiet minority in proportion to the amalgamated rest. Ergo, they become populist.
Evarist Saliba
Nov 21st 2012, 12:58
@ PM
I have watched the 3 hour grilling, and followed all the statements since then by MEPs. My comments are directed at what transpired all along. Are you suggesting that new valid reasons will emerge at the last minute? I have had long years of experience in multinational international negotiations and I have never seen such shambles as in this case.
Evarist Saliba
Nov 21st 2012, 13:03
@ JCC. The nationalists have denied no one, not even in the case of divorce, the right to hold office for persons promoting a different view. The last time that such a thing happened in Malta was in December 1981 and the 5 years that followed. The nationalists were not responsible.
Charles Caruana
Nov 21st 2012, 10:59
These are all delaying tactics to postpone the implementation of the new tobacco legislation.
We should not forget that Dalli's downfall came after a brush with the tobacco lobby.
Henry Moran
Nov 21st 2012, 10:58
From now on ALL our MEPs should vote against ALL other commissioners since these do not share our moral values.
Joseph Grech Attard
Nov 21st 2012, 11:17
Two wrong things do not make a right!
John L Galea
Nov 21st 2012, 11:19
Whose moral values? I am sure that we have all different moral values.
Paul Meilak
Nov 21st 2012, 11:20
thumbs up !
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 22nd 2012, 15:23
@JosephGrechAttard
Of course two wrongs do not make a right, still less three, four or more wrongs. That did not impede the MLP from wrongfully suppressing a multitude of universal, fundamental human rights of the opposition during the Mintoff-KMB era.
M. Attard
Nov 21st 2012, 10:58
Is-socjalisti ta barra huma vera nies li ghandhom ghal hdanhom il-valuri umani ... in-nazzjonalisti u laburisti maltin huma zero hdejhom.
George Cremona
Nov 21st 2012, 10:56
Mr Swoboda you backtracked on your word. You rendered your credibility zero and nothing, no statement will help you regain it. Socialists are always the same, promising one thing giving another, the opposite.
Joseph Grech Attard
Nov 21st 2012, 11:22
Are you sure you are not talking about the PN and GonziPN? If not, just have a look at the 2008 Gonzi PN manifesto and see what ahs been promised and implemented and vice versa. Then one can judge who promises one thing and gives another, the opposite! True Socilaists are contrary to what you said, as are true Conservatives contrary to what GonziPN and PN are!!!
J Martinelli
Nov 21st 2012, 13:47
@ Joseph Attard Grech
Please make a list all the delivered promises and then a list of undelivered promises, otherwise please hush up.
Sant promised removal of VAT and delivered CET. Promised 'safe' stipends and converted them into loans. Free health but charged 50c per doctor's certificate....
But all that is OK because Lejber works that way. Labour won't work.
paul camilleri
Nov 21st 2012, 10:54
the S&D group should be ashamed in their decision as it is a blatant discrimination against a persons belief and the right to express his personal views. or do they call out discrimination to certain issues and close both eyes to other discriminatory issues which they themselves are guilty of?
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Nov 21st 2012, 11:10
Read carefully what he said. No one is being discriminated against on the basis of his beliefs. Only on the basis of his track record which does not accord with the values of the EU. After all it was you party that pushed Malta into the EU.
paul camilleri
Nov 21st 2012, 11:50
another ridiculous response , as if the labour party supporters didn't want to join the EU also? otherwise the results of the referendum would have been different, and why is it that the Labour party now after we joined all want in?? knock some sense into your head and comment on facts that has to do with the article and not some idiotic reply as who wanted to join the EU.
Joseph Goerge Borg
Nov 21st 2012, 10:53
So this is Europe which we had voted for, Europe which respects:
freedom of expression and beliefs.
minorities
does not dictate.
When I was young I used to be told about dictatorships, communism, nazism, fascism and all.
Are we going back to the era?
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Nov 21st 2012, 11:11
No Joseph. You can still be a Catholic. You simply can no longer stuff your values down our throats.
Geoffrey Farrugia
Nov 21st 2012, 10:45
The EU has never stooped so low and i am disgusted to hear such comments from what are supposed to be, the think tank of Europe!
I for one do not fully agree on Dr Borg's conservative views but surely he proved on more than one occasion that he is a champion of human rights. His personal views on life and religious beliefs should not be attacked in this manner.
Victor Laiviera
Nov 21st 2012, 11:14
"A Champion of Human rights"? When, specifically?
J Martinelli
Nov 21st 2012, 13:51
@ Victor Laiviera
...since the EU respects human rights a bit better than human rights were respected between 1971 and 1987 in Malta.
Matthew Borg
Nov 21st 2012, 10:42
He didn't really explain anything. One is left to conclude that decision is based on nothing more than unfounded allegations, lack of research and prejudice.
George Calleja
Nov 21st 2012, 10:40
Shame on you and most of you socialists... An excellent grilling ...a written confirmation by Dr.Borg are not good enough for you bigots who change your views capriciously. Dr Borg is a man of principles and does not need your approval as he has proved himself many a times!!!
jm busuttil
Nov 21st 2012, 10:27
"Should Mr Borg be confirmed by a majority of the European Parliament, we will co-operate with him in his area of competence. He will then have the duty and opportunity to convince the many citizens who have voiced doubts about his position and his commitment to fundamental rights."
Mhux hekk kemm inti bravu. Wara tkunu tridu tkunu fuq il-karru.
Mary Ann Borg
Nov 21st 2012, 10:39
Socjalisti ta' veru dawn, mhux ta' b'xejn is-socjalisti taghna jagixxu bhalhom ezatt. L-ewwel jattakkaw umbghad jiprruvaw jitilghu fuq il-karru. F'dan il-kaz il-Lejber taghna agixxa b'mod tajjeb hafna imma wiehed jinduna kif is-socjalisti huma kollha l-istess u kullimkien.
Peter Murray
Nov 21st 2012, 11:09
There you are Ms Borg spiiting venom at the Socialists once more -as its all their fault.Was I wrong this time around for suggesting caution regarding Dr.Borg's "shoe-in " nomination and that it was by no means a done deal or has your excellent-albeit highly selective-memory failed you on this occasion?Borg may well get in by the back -door but without any shred of self-respect left
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 21st 2012, 16:59
@PeterMurray
What you describe as spat vomit we others identify as a truth that offends you and humiliates you. Dr T Borg did not go in by any back door. He marched in through the front door with head held high having maintained his self respect and his principles throughout until he obtained an absolute majority of 105 votes.
Please choose the reason of your report below: