Qatargate: Corruption scandal upsets the European Parliament.

Back in the spotlight we are!

Kaili is an interesting case. She was indeed part of the European socialist group, having been elected under the auspices of PASOK, nowadays a centrist party, with a center-left past, but, at least in the last year, she acted like a representative of New Democracy, the center-right party actually in government. She tried to sabotage the efforts of the EU to investigate the wire-tapping scandal in Greece (despite its first famous victim being the leader of her party) and was elected vice-president thanks to the lobbying efforts of Prime-minister Mitsotakis. She has also altered her public profile, creating an image of anti-communist* and patriotic figure, frequently expressing her disgust over the Prespes agreement. No doubt, all this was in preparation for her imminent cooperation with New Democracy, but this plan has been presumably suspended indefinitely, following the revelation of the scandal. Sadly for PASOK, Kaili, despite her open disloyalty, still remained member of the party, which puts its leader in a defensive position, with the government and the pro-government media disassociating themselves from her, despite their previously enthusiastic comments.

*It's a pretty funny story. In a few words, Kaili stated that she could never withstand communists, because her grandparent was murdered by communist partisans in the civil war. Until someone pointed that both of Kaili's parents were born a few years after that date, which poses a few scientific questions. Journalists further delved into the issue and it turned out that it was Kaili's grandmother former boyfriend that was killed by a jealous ex. No reds were involved, although it was presumably this murder that allowed the yet again single Kaili's grandmother to marry Kaili's grandfather. Kaili replied that we shouldn't let details detract us from the crux of the story...

surprisingly low key news. barely reported anywhere, why?

Greek and Italian politicians receiving bribes from a cash-rich Monarchy to get better profile? The news is that thre were some that didn't receive bribes.

~:smoking: