Transparency International Defends Potsdam Mayor in VIP Ticket Investigation
The organization finds no evidence of private gain in Mike Schubert's acceptance of complimentary event tickets, though investigations by prosecutors continue.
- Transparency International issued a preliminary assessment stating that Potsdam Mayor Mike Schubert's acceptance of free VIP tickets served a public representation function, not personal enrichment.
- The organization emphasized that such invitations often benefit the municipality rather than the individual, aligning with common practices in other cities.
- The Neuruppin public prosecutor's office is still investigating allegations of improper acceptance of advantages against Schubert.
- Transparency International found Schubert's attendance at mostly evening or weekend events, sometimes accompanied by his wife, to be generally unproblematic.
- In response to the scrutiny, Schubert proposed stricter rules for accepting invitations, requiring prior approval from city council members, though this policy has not yet been finalized.