Following the filing of charges against former Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer (CSU) regarding potential perjury in the inquiry committee investigating the toll system, SPD parliamentary group vice-chairman Armand Zorn has urged patience, advocating for the legal proceedings to run their course.
“The judiciary alone decides on guilt or innocence” Zorn told the “Rheinische Post” newspaper. He emphasized his full confidence in the rule of law, adding, “I am confident that a fair process will uncover the true circumstances.
The transport policy expert also described the car toll system as “a political and financial disaster”. He noted that significant legal uncertainties were apparent early on, “but the project was pursued against all warnings”. Ultimately, he stated, this resulted in violations of budgetary and procurement law and a loss of €243 million for taxpayers.
Meanwhile, the Left party faction in the Bundestag has leveled serious accusations against the former minister. “Like Jens Spahn, Andreas Scheuer has caused massive financial damage through personal failure – with no consequences for either thus far. That cannot remain the case” party leader Heidi Reichinnek told the “Rheinische Post.
Reichinnek also questioned whether Scheuer had deliberately misled the inquiry committee established to investigate the scandal. She criticised his initial response – questioning the independence of the judiciary – as “unmatched audacity”. She concluded that “the many costly scandals involving Union ministers and their brazen behaviour in the process of clarifying them, are sustainably damaging trust in democracy.
The Berlin public prosecutor’s office previously filed charges against Scheuer in connection with a potential false statement made before the inquiry committee investigating the failed car toll system.
