Qatargate: New Democracy suspends membership of MEP Spyraki

The ruling New Democracy (ND) party has suspended the membership of Greek MEP Maria Spyraki until European authorities conclude its investigation of a case in which she is a person of interest, following a decision by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, according to an announcement on Friday.

As long as her suspension remains in force, Maria Spyraki cannot be a candidate for New Democracy in Thessaloniki in the next parliamentary elections.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), an independent body affiliated with the European Union, on Thursday requested the lifting of immunity for Maria Spyraki, as well as Greek MEP Eva Kaili.

In a statement posted on its site, EPPO said, “Today, in accordance with the procedures laid down by Union law, the European Chief Prosecutor requested the lifting of immunity of Ms Eva Kaili, Member of the European Parliament, and Ms Maria Spyraki, Member of the European Parliament.”

“Based on an investigative report received from the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), there is a suspicion of fraud detrimental to the EU budget, in relation to the management of the parliamentary allowance, and in particular concerning the remuneration of Accredited Parliamentary Assistants,” the statement added.

“In accordance with the national applicable law, Ms Kaili and Ms Spyraki are entitled to the presumption of innocence.”

Responding to the news, MEP Spyraki said, “I welcome the lifting of immunity in order for it to become clear that I do not have any economic differences with the European Parliament, not even by a single euro. The issue relates to the overseas bonus of a former colleague of mine, who faced a serious personal problem and registered certain absences from the European Parliament’s meeting hall.”

“I bear no connection to Qatargate, and I do not have any connection to any other case.”