European Parliament
Goebbels (PSE ),
in writing
(FR)
I voted against the ‘Eurostat resolution’ to protest against the way Parliament acted in this affair. At the root of the ‘scandal’ are accusations by certain newspapers regarding ‘misappropriation of funds’, ‘personal enrichment’ and ‘nepotism’ on the part of Eurostat managers. Certain fellow Members in need of publicity demanded the heads of four Commissioners.
Even though the final report on the enquiry conducted by OLAF, promised for June 2003, is still not available, the resolution indicates that the ‘scandal’ is limited to breaches of procedures. Procedures are important. Our Union, however, is in the process of multiplying procedures to the point where there will soon be more inspectors than people being inspected.
Meanwhile, and on dubious grounds, the reputations and careers of many Eurostat officials have been destroyed. More than 400 people have lost their jobs. Parliament is content with an innocuous and useless resolution.

