Minister of Foreign Affairs Xavier Bettel has expressed strong condemnation of the Caritas embezzlement scandal which involves not only public funds from Luxembourg and private donations but also EU funds.
Bettel highlighted that the embezzlement impacts "the poorest people in Luxembourg and in the world," adding that "it's difficult to find the right words to describe it." Bettel, who also serves as Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, made these remarks while en route to a working visit in Jordan.
The State collaborates with Caritas on various development projects, and the total amounts affected by the scandal are currently under analysis. Bettel emphasised that this issue concerns not just Luxembourg public funds and private donations but also EU funds.
The Minister indicated that the future course of action is still uncertain. He stressed that reallocating funds from other NGOs to Caritas is naturally not an option. The immediate priority is to assess the situation and consider "alternatives," which might include postponing construction projects or commissioning different service providers.
Bettel did not hold back in his criticism, stating, "It's a disgrace to steal money from the poorest people […] it's sickening."
Two weeks ago, Caritas confirmed it had been the target of a misappropriation of over €60 million. The funds were intended for projects ranging from refugee shelters to international development cooperation.
Last week, Prime Minister Luc Frieden declared that the Luxembourg state would "not pay a single euro to Caritas" until the matter is fully resolved. On Monday 22 July, a person turned themselves in to the police and was subsequently placed under judicial supervision after being charged.
