Shame, not guilt, is the currency of scandal. In 2022, on anti-corruption day no less, Belgian police uncovered €1.5m of cash crammed into the suitcases of various senior EU officials. The money was thought to be payment for various political favours. The case is still sub-judice, but the accusation is that, for a rather venal sum, European Parliament Vice President Eva Kaili and Pier Antonio Panzeri may have closed down a debate about Qatar’s Human Rights record.
Can European democracy be bought? Ask the rich men of Qatar
