The allegations of corruption are causing horror in the EU and are now leading to the first consequences. The arrested MEP Eva Kaili is suspended as Vice President of the European Parliament "with immediate effect".
MEP Eva Kaili, arrested on corruption charges, is suspended as Vice President of the European Parliament. Parliament President Roberta Metsola revoked the 44-year-old "with immediate effect from all powers, duties and tasks" as her deputy, as a spokeswoman for Metsola announced.
On Friday, Kaili, one of the 14 Vice Presidents of the European Parliament, was arrested in Brussels in connection with corruption investigations in which the World Cup host country Qatar is said to play a key role. Four Italians were also arrested, including Kaili's partner Francesco Giorgi, who is a parliamentary assistant for the Socialist Group in the European Parliament. Pier Antonio Panzeri, former Social Democrat MEP and current head of the non-governmental organization Fight Impunity, and the General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Luca Visentini, were also arrested.
The Belgian investigators are investigating the suspicion of "gang corruption and money laundering". There is a suspicion that Qatar tried to influence the decisions of the European Parliament with considerable sums of money and gifts.
More on that in a moment.
