“Bags Full of Banknotes”

Tobias MartinView Editor Sunday

A corruption scandal has shaken Brussels – there is talk of payments and gifts from Qatar to parliamentarians of the European Union, of influencing political and economic decisions. Apparently, the Gulf state wanted to polish its image for the World Cup.

There were 16 house searches on Friday, five people were arrested, including Eva Kaili, deputy speaker of parliament. 600,000 euros in cash was seized. The Italian newspaper “La Repubblica” writes about “bags full of banknotes” found in the house of the Greek woman.

That would also explain why Kaili is behind bars despite parliamentary immunity. According to the Rules of Procedure of the EU Parliament, immunity for offenses expires “red-handed”.

Kaili belongs to the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (Pasok). She was immediately kicked out of the party. Her partner and Member of the European Parliament, Francesco Giorgi, is also in prison. It will become clear on Sunday whether the two and other suspects will remain there.

Chief union leader arrested

The rest of those arrested is Luca Visentini, the world’s top worker representative. He is Secretary General of the International Trade Union Confederation with over 200 million members.

Until a month ago, Visentini was also Secretary General of the European Trade Union Confederation – and no stranger to this country. He was repeatedly quoted as praising wage protection in Switzerland. The background is the dispute about the framework agreement with the EU. For May Day speeches, he is also connected via live stream in Zurich.

Former MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri is also imprisoned. The Italian social democrat heads the non-governmental organization Fight Impunity, which fights against human rights violations.

Ironically, trade unionists and NGO officials should have corrected Qatar’s devastating image. The country that trampled on migrant workers’ rights: “If the allegations are confirmed, if there was actually an attempt to bribe the EU parliament, it would be the biggest scandal this parliament has ever seen”, says Daniel Freund to SonntagsBlick. The German Green politician is chairman of the European Parliament’s anti-corruption working group.

Hymns of praise to Qatar

Their latest session, which dealt with a resolution on Qatar, is now seen in a whole new light. “Normally the Social Democrats are on our side, but there was a strange speech from Ms. Kaili,” explains Freund.

A few days ago, Eva Kaili defended the Gulf state’s legislative progress in parliament and spoke of enhanced workers’ rights and increased minimum wages. The World Cup is proof of how sports diplomacy can “bring about the historic transformation of a country”.

Kaili flew to Doha just before the kick-off of the World Cup and met the emir of the desert state there. She then complained that anyone who spoke to the Qatari was immediately accused of corruption. In her case, it now appears to be more than just a hunch.

A vote on visa facilitation for Qataris is scheduled for Monday in the EU parliament. “It is impossible to vote on that now,” says Freund. Instead, the Greens and the far right and left are calling for a special debate on the scandal.

The influence of non-EU governments on Brussels is not a new problem. “The third countries belong in the lobby register, the meetings must be transparent,” demands Freund. Gifts and luxury travel to parliamentarians are allowed as long as the recipients disclose the donations. Freund: “I’m talking about dining in Michelin star restaurants, first class flights, five star hotels.” There are strict rules for companies like Apple or Volkswagen to protest at the EU parliament, but: “Representatives from third countries can just walk in with a badge. Because it’s officially about diplomatic relations, not lobbying,’ Freund said angrily.

Tomas Miglierina, RSI’s correspondent in Brussels, tells SonntagsBlick: “All this is very bad for the EU Parliament, even if only a few are affected.” MEPs are already having hard times and bad press with Brexit, the Covid pandemic, the recovery fund and the war in Ukraine. ‘And now this! The EU Parliament has a serious reputation problem.”