On Wednesday 10 April, MEPs debated new allegations of Russian interference in the European Parliament, with the European elections fast approaching (see EUROPE 13382/12).
An in-depth investigation into the matter has been requested by MEPs from several political groups, including the Chair of the S&D Group, Iratxe García Pérez (Spanish).
“We know that interfering with elections is one of Vladimir Putin’s main objectives, and we also know that he has powerful allies in Europe: the far right of Marine Le Pen, Viktor Orbán, Geert Wilders, Matteo Salvini and Alice Weidel”, she emphasised.
“I am outraged that Members of this House and candidates in the European elections are suspected of being sponsored by the Russian government and its agents. Paid to spread Kremlin propaganda”, said Valérie Hayer (French), Chair of the Renew Europe group.
Through Ms Hayer, Renew Europe, which, alongside the EPP and S&D, is one of the groups initiating the debate on the subject, has also called for the names of those involved in the allegations of interference to be disclosed, “to ensure that these people cannot continue their activities” in Parliament “or exercise any responsibility – until we have cleared up this matter”.
“It is our responsibility to take all necessary measures to protect our democracy and our values”, added Gilles Boyer (Renew Europe, French).
This debate comes at a time when a corruption scandal has been shrouding the European Parliament since the end of March, when the first allegations came to light, notably through Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, who claimed that Russia had approached and paid MEPs to serve its interests. The day before, the Czech Republic had announced the closure of the Voice of Europe website, an outlet suspected of disseminating Russian propaganda within the EU. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)