Dalli quits over fraud investigation
The EU commissioner for health, John Dalli, has resigned after an anti-fraud inquiry linked him to an attempt to influence tobacco legislation.
The EU’s anti-fraud office (Olaf) found that a Maltese businessman had tried to use his contacts with Mr Dalli, who is also Maltese, for financial gain.
This businessman had tried to influence future EU legislation on tobacco products, the European Commission said.
Mr Dalli categorically rejected the investigation’s findings, it added.
Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic will take over the Mr Dalli’s duties on an interim basis until a new commissioner is appointed.