Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said today he will be acting fast to nominate a new Commissioner from Malta.

Dr Gonzi was speaking at the European People’s Party Congress in Bucharest.

He referred to John Dalli’s resignation from the European Commission yesterday saying:

“This week we were all shocked by the unexpected resignation of Mr John Dalli, the member of the European Commissioner from Malta, following revelations of an investigation conducted by the anti-fraud office, OLAF. Mr Dalli has categorically denied any wrong-doing but resigned his post in order to defend his reputation and that of the Commission.”

Dr Gonzi said he was fully committed to the integrity of the institutions and will be acting fast to nominate a new Commissioner from Malta.

“I will be communicating with President Barroso in this sense immediately in order to make sure that this episode is quickly closed in the interest of public trust in the institutions.”

Dr Gonzi is accompanied by MEP Simon Busuttil, PN information director Frank Psaila and Ryan Callus,  vice-president Youth of the EPP.