MEPs decided to waive the immunity of two MEPs and one of their former colleagues on Monday 14 February. However, they voted (418 in favour, 264 against and 11 abstentions) not to waive the immunity of MEP Elena Yoncheva (S&D, Bulgaria).
The latter is accused of embezzlement in Bulgaria, dating back to 2010. However, the infringement procedure was only opened in 2018. MEPs suspect that there is a case of “fumus persecutionis”, i.e. an attempt to harm her for her political activity. They also consider that it should be taken into account that she has denounced, through her past work as a journalist and in her mandate as an MEP, high-level corruption in her country.
Mario Borghezio (former member, Italy)
The former elected official is being prosecuted by the Italian Public Prosecutor’s Office for an altercation with a railway agent. Considering that he is no longer a member of the European Parliament and that the subject of his accusation has nothing to do with his activity in the Parliament, MEPs decided (by 620 votes to 71 with 4 abstentions) not to “ defend the privileges and immunities” of Mario Borghezio.
Jörg Meuthen (non-attached, Germany)
The elected official is accused in Germany of having provided inaccurate data concerning benefits he allegedly received for his campaign as a candidate for the 'Alternative for Germany’ (Afd) party in the 2016 regional elections. This accusation does not concern his political activities in the European Parliament. His colleagues also considered that this was not a case of “fumus persecutionis”. They voted to waive his immunity by 618 votes to 41 with 36 abstentions.
Álvaro Amaro (EPP, Portugal)
The MEP is accused of embezzlement of public funds between 2007 and 2013 in Portugal, a charge that does not relate to his activities as an Parliament member. The person concerned did not object to the waiver of his immunity during his hearing by his colleagues, who therefore voted to waive it by 684 votes to 7 with 4 abstentions. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)