Tonio Borg, a former Maltese Cabinet minister with pro-life and pro-marriage views, has been approved by the European Parliament as EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Affairs.

His nomination had been opposed by the Green and Liberal groupings within the European Parliament, as well as various secularist campaign groups who objected to his nomination on the basis of his Catholic views on homosexuality and abortion.

A similar campaign against Rocco Buttiglione succeeded in 2004.

Mr Borg had been nominated by EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barosso and was confirmed by a vote of 386 MEPs in favour, 281 against and 28 abstentions.

It had been thought that the vote would be considerably closer, following the decision of the Socialist grouping not to endorse him.

Mr Borg’s approval should now be finalised by the Council in the coming days. He will then be able to take up his post as Commissioner for health and consumer affairs.

Mr Borg underwent a three hour public hearing with MEPs from the Environment, Internal Market and Agriculture committees last week.

Dr Borg said that that in spite of the attacks he had to endure from the very moment of his nomination, he still received the required support to become European Commissioner. He said that it would have been an injustice if he had to be rejected after doing well in the hearing.

“I thank everyone who supported my nomination. It was a difficult decision but it would be unfair to say otherwise,” Borg told MaltaToday shortly after his official approval by MEPs.

“Many said I did well during the hearing. I would like to thank the Prime Minister and Opposition leader that, despite the pressure against my nomination, they always supported and believed in my nomination. I also thank [Maltese MEPs] Louis Grech, Edward Scicluna, John Attard Montalto, Joseph Cuschieri, Simon Busuttil and David Casa for their support.”