Even a month after the corruption scandal that rocked the EU broke, not all details have come to light. Now Belgian MP Marc Tarabella, who is considered a close confidant of former Italian mandatary Pier-Antonio Panzeri and the alleged key figure in the affair, has accepted an invitation from Qatar. Meanwhile, the President of the European Parliament has sworn in members of the European Parliament with a post-scandal reform plan.
According to the social democratic politician’s lawyer, Tarabella made a trip to Qatar in February 2020, paid for by the emirate, and did not report it to parliament as required.
“Friendship Deserved”
In November, Tarabella stressed the “positive development” of human rights in Qatar. The lawyer’s attempt at an explanation sounds rather adventurous: Panzeri may have advised his friend to “say something specific” without being aware that the Italian had “turned their friendship into money”.
A few days ago, Belgian MP Marie Arena admitted that she had not reported a trip paid by Qatar in May 2022. She gave up her chair of the Human Rights Commission.
“We Will Respond”
During the plenary session in Strasbourg yesterday, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, vowed to sign the reform plans to MEPs. “We will respond,” she promised. At the heart of the new rules is a 14-point plan, according to which MEPs and EU parliament staff would in future have to disclose “all scheduled meetings with third parties” related to parliamentary decisions.
All trips abroad must be reported
All trips abroad must also be reported. Parliamentary circles of friends with members from countries outside the EU, which are often financed by lobbyists, should be a thing of the past. It is also the intention that ex-MPs will no longer receive a permanent access pass and will no longer be allowed to grant access to other people.
The proposals do not go far enough for everyone. For example, the German Green Daniël Freund advocates disclosure of the assets of members of parliament at the beginning and end of the legislature. Meanwhile, Panzeris’ daughter, who is also accused, is extradited to Belgium.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
