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European Parliament Lifts Moretti’s Immunity in Qatargate Probe as Gualmini Keeps Protections

The vote clears the way for Belgian prosecutors to advance their case, and Moretti maintains she received no benefits.

Overview

  • In a Strasbourg plenary vote, MEPs backed revoking Alessandra Moretti’s immunity 497–139 with 15 abstentions and upheld Elisabetta Gualmini’s 382–254 with 19 abstentions.
  • The decision follows a JURI committee recommendation earlier in December, with rapporteur Marcin Sypniewski citing collected evidence of specific advantages linked to Moretti and rejecting claims of political persecution.
  • Revocation removes a legal barrier for Belgian authorities to pursue Qatargate-related procedures against Moretti, without constituting a finding of guilt.
  • Moretti said she never received money, gifts or favors from Qatar or Morocco and stated she is ready to appear before prosecutors to defend herself.
  • Political positioning shaped the outcome, with the Five Star Movement signaling support for lifting immunity and PD leaders expressing confidence in Moretti’s conduct.