The European Parliament approved the nomination of Tonio Borg for European Commissioner with 386 votes in favour, 281 votes against and 28 abstentions. This means that Dr Borg was approved by a majority of 105 votes which was rather unexpected considering the fierce opposition from the left leaning political groups, including the Socialists who Tuesday night declared that they would not endorse him.
In all, 55.5% of the 695 MEPs who voted did so to approve Dr Borg’s nomination.
Speaking on TVM from his residence in Lija shortly after the vote, a relieved and upbeat Dr Borg remarked that that in spite of the attacks he had to endure from the very moment of his nomination, he still received the required support to become European Commissioner. Dr Borg said that it would have been an injustice if he had to be rejected after doing well in the hearing.
He thanked his family, the Maltese Meps and the Prime Minister for their support and promised to do his utmost in his new role in Brussels.
Dr Borg said that this chapter is now closed and is looking forward to start working with the tobacco directive being the first item on the agenda. Dr Borg remarked that the vote is a sign of maturity, while reiterating that his personal stance against abortion will not influence his decisions as European Commissioner. He said that he will be bound by the European Charter of Human Rights.
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi expressed his satisfaction remarking that this results further confirms that Dr Borg is competent and a man of integrity.
In a first reaction on Facebook, PN MEP Simon Busuttil congratulated Dr Borg saying that this result makes him proud to be Maltese and European. He described the vote as a triumph for diversity and that common sense prevailed over intolerance and prejudice.
Meanwhile PN Mep David Casa remarked that both he and Dr Busuttil lobbied heavily through the night with the UK Independence party Meps to secure their vote, following the rejection of the S&D group some hours earlier.
Mr Casa said that he was not expecting such a gap in the result, meaning that some of the Socialists decided to support Dr Borg in contrast with their colleagues.
Dr Borg’s approval should now be finalised by the Council in the coming days. He will then be able to take up his post as commissioner for health and consumer affairs.
Dr Borg underwent a three hour public hearing with MEPs from the Environment, Internal Market and Agriculture committees last week. At their request, he then provided written assurances of his commitment to the Charter of Fundamental Rights, tobacco legislation, and the rights of women and LGBT people.