Following the indictment of former Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer (CSU) regarding potential false statements made before the inquiry committee investigating the road toll system, SPD parliamentary group vice-chairman Armand Zorn has urged patience and a reliance on the legal process.
“The judiciary alone will decide on guilt or innocence” Zorn told the “Rheinische Post” newspaper. He expressed full confidence in the rule of law, adding, “I am certain that a fair procedure will uncover the true circumstances.
The transport policy expert also stated that the car toll system had been “a political and financial disaster”. He noted that significant legal uncertainties were apparent early on, “but the project was pursued despite all warnings”. Ultimately, he said, this resulted in violations of budgetary and procurement law, leading to a loss of 243 million euros for taxpayers.
Meanwhile, the Left party’s parliamentary group has leveled strong accusations against the former minister. “Like Jens Spahn, Andreas Scheuer has left a massive financial loss for taxpayers – and so far, neither has faced consequences. That cannot stand” said parliamentary group leader Heidi Reichinnek to the “Rheinische Post.
Reichinnek further stated that the question now arises as to whether Scheuer lied before the inquiry committee established to investigate the scandal. She characterized his initial reaction – questioning the independence of the judiciary – as “exceedingly audacious”. “It’s not only the numerous costly scandals involving ministers from the CDU/CSU, but also their outrageous behavior during the investigations that are damaging trust in democracy.
The Berlin public prosecutor’s office had previously filed charges against Scheuer regarding a potentially false statement given before the inquiry committee investigating the failed car toll scheme.