The European Parliament backed Tonio Borg as EU health commissioner on Wednesday, brushing off critics who fear the Maltese politician could row back on EU policies on stem cell research, abortion and gay rights.
Greens, Liberals and Socialists in the European Parliament had said they would vote against Mr Borg, a former foreign and justice minister in Malta, saying his religious beliefs could influence EU policy.
Mr Borg’s remit would include access to healthcare and contraception and the control of sexually transmitted diseases.
Mr Borg, who was in Malta on the day of the vote according to an EU Commission official, told deputies before the vote that his personal views would not affect his role as health commissioner. – (Reuters)
