After the massive corruption scandal linked to the oil-rich nation came to light, the EU parliament is considering barring Qatari officials. Read to know more.
EU Parliament to ban Qatari officials
Following corruption scandals, the European Union parliament is considering the possibility of banning Qatari officials from its premises. Roberta Metsola, the president of the European Union parliament announced that after a discussion among senior leaders, the ban will be finalized. “That is one of the questions I will put to the conference of presidents immediately,” said Metsola when asked about her plans for the ban on officials involved in the scandal.
Additionally, a “wide-ranging reform” package is expected as the uncovering of the scandal led to raids that uncovered money. Moreover, four individuals are charged with corruption and money laundering. During the raids between Friday to Monday, Belgium investigators recovered cash totaling 1.5 million euros. They shared images showing suitcases and bags overflowing with money.
More on the raids and investigation
Officers are investigating based on the suspicion of European officials accepting bribes from the FIFA host nation. Prosecutors charged Eva Kaili and three others with accepting bribes from Qatar for influencing policymaking in the EU. Kaili, a greek member, and Qatar have denied wrongdoing. Moreover, several MEPs stated they were offered free World Cup tickets and trips for visiting Qatar to reduce criticism of the treatment of migrant workers. Metsola reveals she was also invited. However, she refused due to her “concerns about that country”.
However, the decision for banning Qatari officials from the parliament premises is rare. Metsola also discussed the matter in Brussels with the 27 bloc leaders. “There will be no immunity, no sweeping things under the carpet, there will be no business as usual,” she concluded.
