Newly elected European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has a “very difficult balancing act” in assigning portfolios to the 26 people that will make up the new commission, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said on Thursday morning.

Muscat was asked whether he had discussed any particular portfolio for Helena Dalli, who has been nominated by the government to succeed Karmenu Vella at the European Commission. The latter is responsible for fisheries and maritime affairs.

Dalli resigned from cabinet on Wednesday, with her successor at the equality ministry, Edward Zammit Lewis, being sworn in on Thursday morning.

“Von der Leyen asked for my thoughts about the portfolio that should be given to Helena Dalli and I told her what I think. Helena Dalli also expressed her thoughts with me. I do not feel that that discussion should be made public,” Muscat told journalists.

Muscat noted that the European Commission President had asked the government to put forward two names (reportedly Helena Dalli and Finance Minister Edward Scicluna).

“The profile of the person chosen (Dalli) will have an impact on the portfolio that she might be given,” Muscat added.

“It’s a very difficult balancing act. Von der leyen has 26 roles to assign – 25 if you don’t count the Spanish commissioner, who will be responsible for foreign affairs. But I am confident that she (Von der Leyen) will make a good choice,” the PM said.