The MPs decided with only one dissenting vote. The Greek is already in custody.
Eva Kaili loses her position as Vice-President of the European Parliament because of serious corruption allegations. Its deputies voted in Strasbourg with only one no for the immediate removal of the politician from Greece, who is currently in custody. The 44-year-old social democrat was arrested on Friday on suspicion of corruption by the World Cup host country Qatar. Kaili is accused of receiving money for influencing political decisions for the World Cup host country. The politician had rejected the allegations to the end.
Lawyer denies allegations
“Her position is that she is innocent. She has nothing to do with any money flow from Qatar, nothing at all,” Kaili’s lawyer, Michalis Dimitrakopoulos, told Greek TV channel Open. He was not allowed to comment on details. He also has no picture of whether funds have been found and if so, what amounts.
It is said that the Gulf Emirate of Qatar, where the World Cup is currently taking place, has tried to influence political decisions in the European Parliament with extensive monetary and material gifts. In addition to Kaili, three other suspects are also in custody. They are accused of involvement in a criminal organization, money laundering and corruption.
Powers previously revoked
A two-thirds majority of MPs was needed to remove her as Vice President. The decision is effective immediately. Before the vote in plenary, the leaders of the parliamentary group had already spoken out in favor of removing Kaili as vice-president of the parliament.
Parliament President Roberta Metsola had already addressed MPs in an urgent speech on Monday and promised a complete clarification of the allegations. In the face of the revelations, she spoke of anger, rage and grief. “The European Parliament, ladies and gentlemen, is under attack, European democracy is under attack and our kind of open, free, democratic societies are under attack,” Metsola said.
Over the weekend, Metsola stripped former TV presenter Kaili, who was one of 14 vice-presidents of parliament, of all powers in that post. She was also expelled from her Greek Pasok party and the Socialist group in the European Parliament.
EU corruption scandal: Eva Kaili and Qatar – what is known so far
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Source: NationalTurk
