Former Prime Minister Alfred Sant applauded Toni Abela's political integrity when speaking at the European Parliament and criticised the way the way his nomination for the European Court of Auditors was reviewed.

Dr Sant, an MEP, was reacting to the report on the EU general budget on the European Court of Auditors.

Dr Abela's nomination to the Court of Auditors was turned down following a grilling by MEPs last month.

He said that hearings before the European Parliament for nominees to the EU’s Court of Auditors were consultative. Nominees who received a negative vote in committee or plenary, could still be appointed if the Council of Ministers so decided.

Dr Sant said Dr Abela had promised that if turned down by the committee, he would withdraw.

It frequently happens that occult elements organise campaigns to discredit nominees, alleging dishonourable or criminal behaviour

“So he did. I applaud Abela for his political integrity. I cannot applaud how his nomination was reviewed. It frequently happens, as with Abela, that occult elements organise campaigns to discredit nominees, alleging dishonourable or criminal behaviour. Nominees can defend themselves during face to face meetings with members of the committee and during the hearing.”

Dr Sant said that in Dr Abela’s case, the hearing was short.

"Allegations against him could not be fully clarified. Other issues too needed discussion. Abela was treated unfairly. If this Parliament wishes hearings on nominations to be meaningful, it should reconsider how to conduct them. When allegations of criminal or dishonourable behaviour arise, they should be considered separately by a jury d’honneur, aided by legal counsel, on the basis of facts.

"The hearing would then concentrate on the personal, professional and political abilities of the nominee," Dr Sant said.