The European Union is currently being shaken by a historic corruption scandal: politicians are said to have collected money from the World Cup host country Qatar. What is known on the third day of the corruption scandal – and how it will continue now.
After the corruption scandal, in which several EU politicians are involved, the EU Parliament is in danger of falling into disrepute. At the center of the affair is Vice President Eva Kaili. She is said to have received money from Qatar. The Gulf state, which is currently hosting the soccer World Cup, planned to use this to influence political decisions in Brussels. At the weekend, the Belgian authorities arrested six suspects and 16 house searches were carried out.
The most important questions and answers about the scandal in the heart of Europe:
Who is involved in the corruption scandal?
The scandal unfolds around the Vice President of the European Parliament Eva Kaili. The public prosecutor accuses the Greek politician and five other suspects of bribery, corruption and money laundering. Without naming specific names, the public prosecutor’s office in Brussels also said that four people were accused of “membership in a criminal organization, money laundering and corruption”. Also involved: The Gulf state and World Cup host Qatar. He is said to have tried to influence the decisions of the EU Parliament with considerable sums of money and gifts.
Have there been any consequences?
On Friday, Eva Kaili and five other suspects were arrested by the authorities in Brussels – including Kaili’s partner, who was still working in the EU Parliament, and ex-MP Pier Antonio Panzeri. In addition, 16 searches took place, including in the home of the Vice-President and Belgian MEP Marc Tarabella, who, like Kaili, is a member of the Socialist Group and, as deputy chairman of the parliamentary delegation, is responsible for relations with the Arabian Peninsula. However, he is not charged with any criminal offences.
On Sunday a judge in Brussels ordered four suspects, including Kaili, to be held in custody. Two other detainees have been released.
How did the authorities find out about Kaili and could she escape prison?
The politician recently attracted attention with her Qatar-friendly attitude. After meeting Qatari Labor Minister Ali bin Samikh Al Marri in the Gulf state, she hailed the World Cup as “proof of how sports diplomacy can lead to a historic transformation of a country whose reforms have inspired the Arab world.” Kaili also hailed Qatar’s labor rights as “leading” and complained that anyone who spoke to Qatar was suspected of corruption.
During a search of Kaili’s apartment, the Belgian police found several “bags of cash”. The Belgian federal prosecutor announced that around 600,000 euros in cash, data carriers and mobile phones were also confiscated during the raids. It is true that Kaili enjoys parliamentary immunity as a result of her office. Because she was caught in the act, the protection does not apply.
What does the scandal mean for Kaili’s political career?
The socialist Pasok party excluded the 44-year-old on Friday. A day later, the Social Democratic Group in the European Parliament suspended the politician’s membership. In addition, EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola withdrew Kaili “with immediate effect from all powers, duties and tasks” as one of her 14 deputies.
MEPs have to vote on whether Kaili will be removed completely as EU Vice President. Metsola wants to talk to the faction leaders about this on Monday.
What does Qatar say about the allegations?
When asked by the AFP news agency, a Qatari government official said that “no details of an investigation were known”. He dismissed any “allegations of wrongdoing by the state of Qatar” as unfounded.
How does it go from here?
A trip to Qatar planned for December by MEPs has been cancelled. This was confirmed by a parliamentary spokesman for the AFP news agency. Meanwhile, the Greens group in the European Parliament is calling for a full investigation into the allegations of corruption. The Greens, Left and Social Democrats also want to postpone negotiations on visa facilitation for Qataris. The negotiations should start on Monday.
Sources: “”, “”, “”, with material from AFP and DPA
Source: Stern
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