ROBERT HARDMAN: The Brangelina of Brussels, cases full of Qatari cash and the EU bribery scandal
Daily MailNov 26, 2022
The Facts
Antonio Panzeri, a former Italian Member of the European Parliament (MEP), has struck a plea deal with Belgian prosecutors over the alleged bribery scheme between MEPs and foreign governments. Panzeri was among four EU lawmakers detained for their alleged involvement.
Panzeri, along with former European Parliament Vice President Eva Kaili from Greece, her partner Francesco Giorgi, and lobbyist Niccolò Figà-Talamanca, was charged in December after police seized around €1.5M ($1.6M) in cash during multiple raids on an apartment, a house, and a hotel.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The European Parliament prides itself on being above corruption, which is why the vast majority of MEPs not involved in this case have called for swift and concrete measures to be implemented in response to these bribery allegations. These measures have already been called for, such as the "defense of democracy package," which criminalizes all corruption and issues harsh penalties for any violations.
Establishment-critical narrative
The irony of these so-called socialist European MEPs engaging in bribery and fraud is incredible, and the few arrests made so far may only be the tip of the iceberg. Up to 60 MEPs could potentially be involved — we can sit back and watch this display of hypocrisy as it unfolds.