MEPs overwhelmingly voted in favour of a resolution for increased transparency in the European Union’s institutions after the European Parliament was rocked by the scandal related to Qatar.
The European Parliament has decided to suspend all legislative work related to Qatar and planned visits to the country. Further, EU security passes for representatives of Qatari interests are being suspended until the investigations provide clarity.
In a vote on Thursday with 541 MEPs in favour, two against and three abstaining, the parliament also decided to set up committees for transparency and to investigate cases of corruption by third countries.
The adopted resolution further calls for asset declarations by MEPs at the beginning and end of their mandates, and for a ban on donations from third countries to MEPs and political parties at EU level.
EP President Roberta Metsola said on Thursday that she turned down Qatar’s invitation to attend a World Cup game due to her “concerns” about the country.
Metsola has announced an internal investigation and reiterated the European Parliament’s full support in the criminal investigation, saying there will be no business as usual and “no sweeping under the carpet”.
“Trust that has taken years to build but only moments to destroy must be rebuilt. And that work starts now. We need to right the wrongs. And to send a powerful message to those external actors who try to undermine us,” the EP president said.
Four people have been charged with corruption and money laundering, including deposed Greek EP Vice-President Eva Kaili who has protested her innocence.
All contacts with Qatar had been carried out under Metsola’s instructions, Kaili’s lawyer claimed.
Belgian prosecutors said they had found bags and suitcases full of cash, €600,000 at the home of one suspect, €150,000 at an MEP’s apartment and several hundred thousand euros in a hotel room.
According to reports by Le Soir and La Repubblica referring to the investigator’s documents, Eva Kaili’s partner, Francesco Giorgi, admitted his job was to “manage cash”.
Belgian judicial sources said investigators believe that representatives of Qatar had been paying off politicians to boost the Gulf monarchy’s image in the EU.
In Brussels we have ladies of steel, in Malta we have a bunch of scarecrows. bob, the consultant of the MOST CORRUPT pm MALTA EVER HAD, is envious and full of hatred seeing such a bright and honest person leading the EU parliament.
bob, you will never accomplish what Dr. Metsola have achieved. you are only respected by the few traitors from the PN and oligarchs pilfering the nation’s wealth for their and their families’ interest, starting from yourself.
The article doesn’t make any reference to local party politics. Hence I can’t work out if you are serious (ly deluded) or if you’re here to just pull all of our plonkers. 🤦
Ian Borg went to Qattar, on Qattar’s invitation , he says.
Ian Borg is now the man who tells the Maltese Ambassadors to get it done.
Branching out into Visas? From Flyovers to FlyIN.
”All contacts with Qatar had been carried out under Metsola’s instructions, Kaili’s lawyer claimed”
That is as may be, because of the legislative work related to Qatar.
Only Labour supporters will make the PREsumption that she was involved in any illegalities……….ghax jaqbillhom!