Robert Metsool versus Belgian authorities. I want to “defend the dignity” of the European Parliament
“We will act where the guesses appear,” Robert Metsool told journalists in Brussels on Thursday. – We will defend the MEPs and dignity of this institution. I will not agree to attack and tear the dignity of MEPs to the PE without a solid foundation.
One of the most glaring examples was to mention the name of the MEP Giusi Princi, because the Belgian authorities wanted to repeal immunity so that it could be carried out investigation on corrupt allegations in connection with Chinese technology company Huawei. The application was soon withdrawn.
– Parliament, on several levels, wants to convey to the Belgian authorities a message that They must work better and be more professional – says a high -ranking PE official, whom we provided anonymity so that he could talk about delicate matters. – Their mistakes and carelessness can very harm the reputation of EU members and institutions.
According to the plans that Metsola provided to the leaders of political groups, she could ask the authorities requesting a minimum of information before the public announcement of the applications received to repeal immunity. Currently Each application must be read at the full plenary session of the European Parliament regardless of its content.
The MEPs also point to Belgian inability to convince anyone associated with the scandal of the catarrip that broke out in 2022. The judge conducting the case, Michel Claise, resigned in June 2023 due to allegations of conflict of interest. The accused questioned the legality of the proceedingswhich is currently checked by the courts, according to the spokesman of the Belgian prosecutor's office.
“If the proceedings begin soon and convicts are passed, the trial worked,” said Green MEP Daniel Freund. – but if no one is convicted if key evidence is considered unacceptable or If procedural errors derail the matter, we have a serious problem.
