All Praise For Helena Dalli: PN Leader And Even His Predecessor Endorse Malta’s New EU Commissioner
Opposition leader Adrian Delia has confirmed the PN will support former Equality Minister Helena Dalli as the EU’s prospective Equality Commissioner.
In a tweet, Delia welcomed European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen’s choice of portfolio for Dalli as well as the gender parity in the upcoming European Commission.
“Steps ahead have been made but EU needs to take further concrete measures to strengthen equality,” he said.
@PNmalta welcomes gender-balance target for new Commission. We will support @helenadalli to become Commissioner for #Equality. Steps ahead have been made but #EU needs to take further concrete measures to strengthen equality.
— Adrian Delia (@adriandeliapn) September 10, 2019
Dalli’s nomination appears to enjoy political consensus across the board in Malta, with even one of the government’s harshest critics, former PN leader Simon Busuttil, congratulating her.
Good portfolio for @helenadalli who has a positive track record on equality issues that she can share at European level. Certainly better than on justice. Congratulations and good luck!https://t.co/pH7VJQKZNx
— Simon Busuttil (@SimonBusuttil) September 10, 2019
“Good portfolio for Helena Dalli who has a positive track record on equality issues that she can share at European level,” he tweeted. “Certainly better than on justice. Congratulations and good luck!”
MaltaToday and Malta Independent recently reported that Dalli was tipped to become Justice Commissioner, which is currently paired with the equality portfolio.
However, von der Leyen has decided to shake things up and split the justice and equality portfolios, with Dalli getting equality and former Belgian Finance Minister Didier Reynders getting justice.
As Equality Minister in Malta, Dalli spearheaded the legalisation of civil unions and gay marriage, as well as rights for trans and intersex people and the outlawing of ‘conversion therapies’. A recent report by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA World) ranked Malta as the best country in the world in terms of LGBT+ rights.
READ NEXT: Helena Dalli’s Son Hits Back At Online Haters In Heartfelt Post About His Mother’s Work Amidst LGBTQ-Friendly Sticker Controversy
