The alleged corruption scandal involving Qatar in the European Parliament and targeting in particular the vice-president of the institution, Eva Kaili, is only “the tip of the iceberg”, denounced the rebellious MEP Manon Aubry on Saturday, asking for an investigation in the 27 states of the Union.
"Today what has been revealed is only the tip of the iceberg", asserted the co-president of the Left group on Franceinfo, even if "obviously all the MEPs in Parliament are not corrupt”.
The institution has been shaken by the revelation of an alleged corruption scandal notably targeting Greek MEP Eva Kaili, suspected of having been paid by Qatar to defend the interests of the emirate which currently hosts the World Cup.
Ms. Kaili was stripped of her vice-presidency by Parliament and is the subject of a preliminary investigation by the Athens financial prosecutor's office for "corruption" and "money laundering" in cooperation with the Belgian justice system.
In detention, she proclaims her innocence.
Three other people, including his companion, are also targeted.
“These are not a few isolated cases”
“There must be an investigation in the 27 Member States.
The extent of this scandal, the effects that I have been able to see and denounce already for a month clearly demonstrates that these are not a few isolated cases, it is necessary to bring the day to the whole network, ”pleaded Manon Aubry.
Read alsoQatargate shakes up the European Parliament: “Other names could come out fairly quickly”
Against a “sick European democracy”, she urged again the establishment of an “independent ethical authority” to better control lobbying activities and better control the waiting periods “not always respected” concerning former European commissioners who would be tempted to "sell their address book".
“Today in the European Parliament there is no body that can control conflicts of interest.
The transparency register in which we inform about meetings with lobbies, I do it but it is not compulsory, ”she regretted.
“It must be in place by the end of the mandate in 2024″.
On Thursday, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, announced “extensive” reforms for 2023, speaking of “shortcomings” concerning “the activities of former members of the European Parliament” and “registrations in the transparency register”.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated her proposal for an "independent authority" that would "cover all institutions in a uniform manner".