Brussels starts inquiry on MCA chairman’s dismissal

The European Commission is probing the removal of the Malta Communications Authority chairman to determine whether it infringed EU rules. The investigation was announced yesterday by European Digital Agenda Commissioner Nellie Kroes in response to a question tabled in the European Parliament by Nationalist MEP Roberta Metsola. “The Commission is aware of the recent developments in Malta and is investigating the issue with the Maltese authorities,” Ms Kroes said. “The Commission is committed to follow-ing up closely the correct implementation of EU rules and to reverse a trend in member states’ legislation and practice which, if confirmed, would fragment the single market for electronic communications and may result in less competition in the markets.” The issue involves the resignation of Antonio Ghio who was MCA chairman last December. After the change in government last March, Dr Ghio, together with all the other chairpersons of public bodies, was asked to hand in his resignation, as is customary. In a letter, Dr Ghio made it clear that he was offering to step down under protest and highlighted the fact that his position was protected by EU law. Still, the Government insisted...