Independent MEP Dorien Rookmaker abstained from a vote in which the European Parliament removed her vice-president Eva Kaili, who is suspected of corruption. “You are innocent until proven guilty,” says Rookmaker, who previously served in the European Parliament for FvD and JA21.
According to EU correspondent Mathijs Schiffers of the FD, Rookmaker is right. “The information that President Metsola shared in parliament is information that we can all read.” Former European Parliament Vice-President Eva Kaili was removed from office by an overwhelming majority. Three deputies disagree and abstained from voting. Including Dorien Rookmaker, former Forum for Democracy and JA21 and now independent.
Until proven otherwise
“The most important thing is that one is simply innocent until proven otherwise. The European Parliament has not provided any information. I had some information, but it was all information I had heard from the newspaper or seen on social media. This makes it extremely difficult to give a good assessment and make a decision,” says Rookmaker.
“There’s something to be said for that,” Schiffers says. “A lot really comes from the media, and occasionally the Belgian police also make statements, but the information that President Metsola has shared in parliament is information that we can all read. But would you like to know exactly what it is, someone is innocent until proven guilty. And the suspects deny it.
Resolution
According to Schiffers, MEPs want to distance themselves from the scandal as quickly as possible, hence the vote. “Today we will vote again on this issue, a resolution has been drafted in which Parliament expresses its concern, they also come up with many things that need to be changed in the future.”
According to Schiffers, a commission of inquiry, an ethics committee and mandatory training are required for deputies entering service so they know where their vulnerabilities lie. There is also a call for a cooling-off period for departing MEPs going to a new job.
Other solution
Rookmaker says he prefers to see a different solution: ‘I would like MEPs to be trained a bit more on the integrity issues that can arise when you have such a position here. Here you are very quickly approached by all kinds of lobbyists with all kinds of questions, then at least you are aware of how much power you have and what temptations may arise.’ According to Schiffers, this is what the latest version of the draft he saw says: “Maybe he should vote for this resolution, because he’s probably going to be in it.”
Source: BNR
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