Tensions are escalating within the Pirate Party, as confirmed by MP Marc Goergen in an interview with our colleagues from RTL.lu. He stated that he and fellow MP Sven Clement will only collaborate "when absolutely necessary" in the Chamber of Deputies moving forward.

While the Pirate Party's political group in parliament will remain intact, a strict financial separation will be implemented "wherever possible." This measure primarily affects the salaries of employees paid by each respective MP. Goergen stressed that he does not want Clement to settle bills with his funds in the future. Although he did not allege any past misconduct, he described the move as a "precautionary measure."

This development stems from the controversy surrounding the MALT dossier. "MALT" refers to a translation app that the Pirate Party had commissioned Clement&Weyer, a company co-founded by Sven Clement, to develop for the National Reception Office (ONA) amid the refugee crisis. However, the ONA is now demanding some of its money back. Goergen believes those who received the money should return it, while Clement argues that the party should repay the funds.

On Monday, new MP Ben Polidori announced his plans to resign from the party. Although he stated in an RTL interview that the MALT dossier was not the main reason for his departure, it has been suggested off-record that it did play a role.

On Wednesday morning, Jerry Weyer, one of the party's founders and former coordinator of the Centre constituency, addressed the issue on Facebook. He responded to claims made by Marc Goergen in an interview with the newspaper Luxemburger Wort, denying that he was aware of an audit looking into the MALT project.

Weyer clarified that he distanced himself from the party last November. However, it should be noted that the audit was completed in early 2023. According to Sven Clement, the party was asked in June to submit documents related to an audit by KPMG. Goergen mentioned that on Monday evening, Clement informed the party leadership that Weyer also opposed repaying money to the ONA.