The FOKUS party finds itself embroiled in internal turmoil as it expels three prominent members accused of disseminating false information.
Former Secretary General Gary Kneip, alongside Georges Keipes and Jacques Linster, faced unanimous expulsion from the national committee on Sunday.
Party President Marc Ruppert confirmed to our colleagues from RTL.lu that the trio, who stood in the legislative elections for FOKUS last October, were ousted over allegations including the leaking of confidential information and even attempting to record internal discussions on a mobile phone.
According to a FOKUS press release, the ex-members also "deliberately lied" and "questioned the decisions of the party organs," not just once but "frequently and constantly."
The expulsion comes amidst earlier reports by online news website Reporter.lu highlighting internal strife within FOKUS, including concerns over opaque financial practices and undisclosed consultancy agreements. The article raised questions about a €1,000 monthly consultancy contract awarded to Frank Engel, among other financial matters.
According to the article, President Marc Ruppert and Secretary General Anne Winter would also have been authorised to charge expenses of €300 and €200 per month.
At the time, the party leadership backed Frank Engel, who attributed the controversy to "a few frustrated party members" who had "questioned the decisions of the party leadership."
In the article, Reporter.lu drew a parallel to the "circle of friends" controversy that prompted former party president Frank Engel's departure from the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) in 2021, a case from which Engel emerged cleared of all legal charges.
