Qatargate, one year on: EU corruption scandal still unsolved
Qatargate, one year on: EU corruption scandal still unsolved
Last year, the EU Parliament was rocked by accusations foreign actors had attempted through bribes to corrupt its democratic processes in a scandal dubbed "Qatargate." What do we know so far? Surprisingly little.
I don’t imagine ALL politicians are inherently corrupt.. but there sure are a lot of them.
And it’s not surprising that investigations seem to stall. It’s a shame we the citizens can’t really hold them accountable in the way we should. And I’m not talking about legal immunity.
Corruption is the moss that gatheres on everything that stays put long enough and is always present.
We could dust off the pitchforks and torches, couldn't we?
I sure ain't got time for a revolution. I'm to busy working 2 jobs, 2 kids, 1 wife and an futile attempt to make a career to finally earn a decent living.
This is the best summary I could come up with:
The following week, European Union lawmakers would head to the French city of Strasbourg for one of their regular plenary sessions, and preparations were underway.
Daniel Freund, a German Green lawmaker and prominent EU anti-corruption voice, describes the first days after the exposure of the suspected cash-for-influence scheme that was quickly dubbed Qatargate as a blur, with information coming out in dribs and drabs.
Of the eight arrests, the highest profile face at the heart of the scandal is Greek MEP and former European Parliament Vice President Eva Kaili, a sleek, poised ex-TV presenter.
According to an investigation published this week by Politico, an American news outlet, leaked case files provide evidence of 300 alleged attempts to manipulate EU democracy.
"It will become far more about the competence, or incompetence, of the Belgians to prosecute crimes of corruption in their country, which hosts the EU institutions, and less about salacious personal stories of the suspects."
Aiossa said much broader cultural issues within the Parliament were left untouched, including an unaudited generous monthly allowance for MEPs on top of their salaries and permission to hold side jobs that could pose a conflict of interest as long as they are declared.
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