MEP Gyöngyösi: Qatargate – What the EP needs is consistent regulations, not a witch-hunt!
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MEP Márton Gyöngyösi’s (Non-attached) thoughts via press release:
Coming to light just before Christmas and causing quite a stir ever since, the corruption scandal has perhaps been the largest and most severe case of this nature so far in any EU institution. The outrage is understandable and the affair is quite likely to be politicized as nearly all the affected persons have ties to the European Parliament’s Socialists & Democrats group.
In a situation like this, the first and most important thing is of course to apprehend the culprits and punish them. That part seems to have been going seamlessly: the European Parliament, the authorities and the political stakeholders have all reacted with exemplary promptness. The politicians who likely have accepted large bribes are now in custody.
The threads are being followed up to find out how Qatar and Morocco were trying to corrupt decision-makers.
On the other hand, while we investigate real criminal acts and categorically condemn any felony or misdemeanour committed, I think it’s important not to go to extremes and start a wild witch-hunt by deeming diplomacy and legitimate lobbying as corruption. The reason I need to talk about this is because there are quite a few voices who are ready to go far beyond preventing corruption: they are now suggesting to basically lock MEPs up in the EP building, strictly limiting their opportunities to meet diplomats or politicians of non-EU countries, or have discussions with NGOs and lobby organizations.
Let’s make it clear: if MEPs accept money or any other kind of remuneration for representing a position other than their own, either in debates or when it comes to voting, is an obvious case of corruption, i.e., a punishable act.
In contrast, listening to different opinions or the representatives of different interests (without individual stakes of course) is part of a MEP’s job, because politicians are not polyhistors (even though they are often thought to be or, in a worse case, they believe it themselves, too). They can’t possibly have a deep insight into every science, country, industry or the situation of every social group. On the other hand, they must strive to expand their knowledge and widen their views because it is a prerequisite for being able to represent their voters efficiently. That’s why field work is so important for a politician; it’s vital to meet as many people as they can.
The organization of the different social groups to represent their common interests, regardless if it is based on ideology, geography or economic status, is a fundamental element of democracy.
If these organizations seek contact with politicians in order to present and explain their position, it is a natural thing as it is the very reason for their existence. Similarly, we can hardly condemn the different nations for trying to present themselves in the best light. Let’s not forget that the European Union does it, too.
So I think it would be against the principles of democracy and being a politician if the anti-corruption struggle turned into a witch-hunt against unions or foreign diplomats, for example. You can’t expect MEPs to make responsible decisions if you cut them off from the flow of information. Furthermore, it doesn’t really help the anti-corruption fight, either.
What we need is clear, consistent regulations and transparency, but first and foremost, we need to do the best possible job to uncover and bring to light all the threads of this scandal.
Disclaimer: the sole liability for the opinions stated rests with the author(s). These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Parliament.
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