The European Parliament has refused to provide information about a controversial trip by President Roberta Metsola and her husband to the French wine region of Burgundy. When asked by the German news agency, the parliament speaker said only that the visit to a wine brotherhood with an overnight stay in a five-star hotel in Beaune was part of Metsola’s mandate as president and was in line with overriding security and protocol obligations. Metsola has followed the rules applied to all previous presidents.
When asked what costs the EU Parliament incurred as a result of the Christian Democratic politician’s trip from Malta, the spokesperson did not respond. He also did not answer whether Metsola or her husband was served wine during the visit and did not respond to a request for details of the itinerary.
Metsola’s visit to Beaune has made headlines for the past week. because the 44-year-old politician was accompanied by her husband and stayed with him in a five-star hotel at the expense of the wine brotherhood Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin. Part of the trip last October also included a five-course meal, according to “Politico” revelations.
Last weekend, Parliament Speaker Jaume Duch Guillot said Metsola had been invited to Beaune to give a speech about protecting the gastronomy, for which the region is famous. She acted on behalf of the European Parliament.
Criticism of the information policy of the parliamentary leadership now comes from the ranks of the MPs. “Of course Metsola, as president of the EU parliament, has a duty to answer all questions,” said DPA spokesman for the German Greens in the European Parliament, Rasmus Andresen. “As president, you have to lead by example.”
Metsola first issued a statement on January 11 about the trip to Burgundy, after parliament had previously been rocked by a corruption scandal. However, she did not state that her partner accompanied her on the trip. According to parliamentary rules, she should have declared the trip at the end of November last year. Metsola now states that other parliamentary presidents have also not made public travel.
It was initially unclear whether Metsola was now being threatened with consequences. In theory, sanctions can be imposed. However, there is no automaticity. The Speaker of Parliament is actually responsible.
In addition, Metsola made 125 donations public too late, contrary to the rules for MPs. This was announced a few days ago. According to the list, the politician gave most of the gifts for the custody of the parliamentary administration or kept them in her office. The latter included, for example, prints, vases and books. A spokesperson stressed: “The president accepts gifts on behalf of the institution. She doesn’t keep this one.” He had also emphasized that he wanted to increase transparency.
The corruption scandal in the EU parliament concerns alleged influence of Qatar and Morocco on political decisions in the European Parliament. Justice has charged, among other things, the then Vice-President of Parliament Eva Kaili for participation in a criminal organization, money laundering and corruption.
(yam/sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
