AGI – The Plenary of the European Parliament had to give a strong signal: it voted almost unanimously (625 out of 628 voters in favor; one against and two abstentions) for dissolution. Eva Kylie From the role of Vice President. A Greek MEP arrested in Brussels on corruption charges from Qatar is no longer “fit” to represent the Eurochamber.
“I don’t want to touch the presumption of innocence, but All those who took bribes should be ashamed. For betraying the trust of citizens and their hard-working colleagues with respect and integrity,” European Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said during a debate on corruption – now known as ‘Qatar Gate‘ – in a half-empty chamber in Strasbourg.
❗️ Corruption is a crime that undermines our democracy, economy and society.
“To anyone who accepts money, kickbacks and bribes, I say: Shame on you” ~ @YlvaJohansson
We will propose a new law next year. All forms of corruption in all member states should be criminalised #eplenary pic.twitter.com/pjdQggM22I
— EU Home Affairs (@EUHomeAffairs) December 13, 2022
However, a little while ago, European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas had to defend himself, being in the spotlight for his close ties with Qatar and his participation in the opening ceremony of the World Cup. “All my statements are in line with the Commission’s policies. We don’t improvise, we don’t invent positions“, he responded to reporters at a press conference, which turned out to be an interrogation.
“My political career of more than thirty years has always been clear and certainly no one can say that I am innocent,” he explained. “Presents from Qatar? Yes, a ball and a box of chocolates that I both left with the driver who took me to the stadium. And some World Cup souvenirs,” he clarified.
All this was happening in Strasbourg as the investigation spread to Brussels. Those arrested, during questioning, appeared to cooperate – according to local media reports – with E On several occasions she mentioned the name of Socialist MEP Mark Tarabella. He was searched at home on Saturday and suspended from the party and group yesterday. S&D.
The scope of the investigation is represented by a photo released by Le Soir newspaper that immediately made the rounds on the web, depicting the €1.5 million in cash seized from Kylie and former Italian MEP Antonio Panzeri in recent days.
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