Investigations against Thuringia's CDU leader Voigt closed
The public prosecutor's office in Erfurt has dropped its investigation against Thuringia's CDU party and parliamentary group leader Mario Voigt on suspicion of bribery. The suspicion was not confirmed "as a result of the extensive investigations", according to a brief statement from the public prosecutor's office in Erfurt.
The 46-year-old, who wants to stand as the CDU's top candidate in next year's state elections, had been under investigation for over a year. The state parliament had lifted Voigt's immunity as a member of parliament in the fall of 2022. The CDU politician reacted with relief to the suspension of proceedings.
It was about an order from the EPP
The public prosecutor's office had been investigating whether Voigt had exerted undue influence during the 2019 European election campaign to ensure that a company based in Jena received a contract from the European People's Party (EPP). The legal issue was the suspicion of "bribery in business dealings". Voigt had always denied this and publicly declared his willingness to be transparent and cooperate.
"Today's closure of the investigation now also officially documents that there was and is nothing to the allegations made against me," said Voigt. The past 13 months have been very distressing for him and his family. He is grateful for the support and solidarity he has received from colleagues, party members and friends.
Residential and business premises searched
As part of its investigation, the public prosecutor's office had the CDU politician's home and business premises and the EPP headquarters in Brussels searched. Material was seized for further examination, including digital technology such as Voigt's cell phone. According to earlier information from the public prosecutor's office, the proceedings against him had been initiated after evidence had emerged in another investigation.
Source: www.dpa.com
