Hannes Swoboda: „Resignation of EU Commissioner Dalli is right decision for credibility of EU institutions“

Yesterday, EU Commissioner John Dalli, responsible for Consumer Protection and Health, resigned from his position. The European Commission’s Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), which investigates fraud allegations involving the EU budget, corruption and serious misconduct within the EU institutions, had received a complaint in May 2012 from the tobacco producer Swedish Match.

The company argued that a Maltese entrepreneur had used his contacts with the Commissioner to try to gain financial advantage from the company in return for seeking to influence a possible future legislative proposal on tobacco products, in particular on the EU export ban on snus.

Commissioner Dalli’s resignation took immediate effect.

Commenting on Commissioner Dalli’s decision to resign, Hannes Swoboda, S&D Group President, said:

„We support the resignation of Commissioner Dalli. It is imperative that each Commissioner representing the European Commission is above suspicion.

„The EU Commission must act in a way where honesty has to be the priority.“

Concerning the nomination of a successor, Hannes Swoboda added:

„It would make sense to wait for the result of the next general elections in Malta, which are due to be held in the coming months, before a new Commissioner is nominated.“