The Nationalist Party will back Helena Dalli’s nomination for European Commissioner, The Malta Independent has learnt.

The party will be backing the former equality minister “in the interest of all Maltese citizens of goodwill,” a party spokesperson said.

Helena Dalli was nominated by PM Joseph Muscat to serve in Ursula von der Leyden’s cabinet, replacing Karmenu Vella.

The government has said that it has sent out a strong message in favour of women by nominating Malta’s first ever female European Commissioner.

While von der Leyen will have the final say on the portfolio that Dalli will be entrusted with, the PM said last week that her track record in the civil liberties field could have a bearing on that decision.

Last week, PN MEP David Casa told this newsroom that he “can consider” supporting Helena Dalli for the spot on the EU’s executive arm.

The PN’s Head of Delegation to the European Parliament Roberta Metsola was, however, more hesitant about an upcoming grilling by the European Parliament and whether she would support the government’s nominee.

Speaking to The Malta Independent on Sunday, Metsola said she expects the PN Delegation to meet with Dalli shortly but said she “would not like to comment too much before that meeting takes place.

Replying to questions by this newsroom, a spokesperson for PN Leader Adrian Delia said the party would back Dalli’s EC bid.

The party said that there were several occasions where Malta’s reputation had suffered because of a lack of good governance by the government. This was not the people’s fault.

“While Helena Dalli has so far not contacted the opposition to explain her vision, the PN will back her candidature with a sense of maturity and responsibility that places the national interest before everything else.

The PN said it hopes that, as new European Commissioner, Helena Dalli would use her political influence so that Joseph Muscat’s government finally starts taking the fight against corruption and in favour of good governance seriously.