Two members of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in Italy are leaving their posts within the party. It takes place after Belgian investigators look into their possible role in the corruption affair in Qatargate.
Alessandra Moretti and Elisabetta Gualmini have called for their association in the S&D Group to be suspended, according to a communiqué. The S&D Bureau granted the request. According to the declaration, the European Parliament’s Socialists and Democrats Group has a complete prohibition against corruption.
Additional steps to improve openness have been suggested and implemented by the Bureau after the December 2022 revelation of the Qatargate incident.
The non-attached legislators are going to sit alongside both of the MEPs. The two legislators are in danger of having their legal protection revoked.
The legal department of the Belgian prosecutor requested that the EU Parliament look into their involvement in the Qatargate. President Roberta Metsola made a declaration yesterday about the submission of the demand.
The European Parliament lawmakers refused to answer when questioned about their real identities. Gualmini and Moretti did not respond right away to requests for clarification.
According to an order of arrest obtained by the media, Moretti was linked to the inquiry at the outset. She apparently participated in a quadrumvirate with other socialist faction members. According to Belgian authorities, they include ex-MEPs Marc Tarabella, Marie Arena, and Andrea Cozzolino.
One of the activities documented in the papers was plotting to repeal six legislative decisions. The resolutions denounced Qatar’s status on human rights.
Qatargate!
A visa-free travel agreement between Qatar and the European Union was another goal they sought to accomplish. Every former MEP has denied any role in the Qatargate affair. Gualmini earlier revealed that she had communicated with a few MEPs. Francesco Giorgi, a parliamentary staffer, was also approached over the socialist party’s stance on Qatar.
According to what she told media, she chose not to accept the stance that Giorgi and other MEPs had taken. Additionally, she attested that she has never been engaged in any affairs concerning Qatar, Qatari diplomats, missionaries to Doha, or anything happening in Qatar.
Three years ago, Qatargate was first made public. Then, in an array of spectacular expeditions, Parliamentary Secretary Giorgi, former MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri, and other important officials were taken into custody. Sacks of money and graphic stories of foreign meddling at the core of EU democracy were engaged in the scandal at the early stages.
Before they can conduct a thorough investigation into the two new MEPs, the Belgian officials must wait for the Parliament. President Metsola will publicize the court’s request once their immunity is lifted.
The two MEPs will be given an opportunity to speak by the legal issues committee of the Parliament. Proceedings against the Socialist legislators could be brought by Belgian officials if all members agree.
