Belgian MP Marc Tarabella accepted an invitation to visit Qatar. In February 2020, he took a trip to Qatar paid for by the emirate and not reported to the European Parliament. Despite the admission, Tarabella denies any form of nepotism. Trabella traveled to Qatar to visit the stadiums for the World Cup. The Belgian authorities requested that Tarabella’s immunity be lifted.
Socialist MEP Tararabella is said to be a close confidant of former Italian MP Pier Antonio Panzieri, who has been at the center of a European Union corruption scandal over alleged interference by World Cup hosts Qatar. In Panzieri, 600,000 euros in cash were confiscated.
A few days ago, Maria Arena – also a Belgian MP – admitted that she “forgot” to register for a similar flight funded by Qatar.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and leaders of political groups in the European Parliament plan to present anti-corruption proposals. Metsola wants to deliver measures and actions in a timely manner.
In December, Belgian police carried out several raids on MPs, ex-MPs and lobbyists, finding a total of €1.5m in cash. Four suspects were arrested, including the Vice-President of the Hellenic Assembly, Eva Kaili.
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