Borg’s nomination hinges on Socialists

Tonio Borg’s bid to become Malta’s third European Commissioner depends on the support of Socialist MEPs in the three committees grilling him on Tuesday. Sources close to the European Parliament told The Sunday Times that Dr Borg’s approval is far from certain and he is in for a tough session. Despite spending recent days in Brussels meeting MEPs individually, it still appears that Liberals – the third strongest grouping in the EP – are reluctant to support Dr Borg. The 55-year-old is now banking on the Socialists, who together with the European People’s Party MEPs, command a majority in the Brussels chamber. Dr Borg – an MP for the past 20 years and one of the most prominent Maltese politicians – has been nominated to occupy the Commission seat vacated by John Dalli’s forced resignation last month. Mr Dalli resigned after an investigation by the EU’s anti-fraud agency concluded he was aware that his former canvasser had asked a Swedish tobacco company for a substantial amount of money to change legislation. The former commissioner strenuously denies the allegations. For Tuesday’s hearing, Dr Borg is expected to be well prepared on the health and consumer affairs...