Luxembourg's Pirate Party responded to recent police raids with cautious optimism, with Marc Goergen suggesting that the investigation could be a pivotal moment to clear suspicions and reinforce the party's integrity.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office confirmed to RTL Radio that the Luxembourg police conducted multiple raids on Wednesday targeting the Pirate Party. Pirate Party MP Sven Clement disclosed on Thursday morning that investigators searched his residence, the homes of other party members, and the party's offices, including those of its political faction in the Chamber of Deputies, in an effort to obtain documents and information.

The investigation reportedly stems from unresolved issues related to the financing of the MALT translation app. Clement stated that the Pirate Party intends to cooperate fully with the authorities and even views the investigation as an opportunity for transparency.

Read also: MALT project dispute: Does the Pirate Party owe tens of thousands in tax funds?

Some raids began early Wednesday morning, with Luxembourg's criminal police conducting searches on behalf of the European Public Prosecutor's Office. When asked in an interview with RTL Radio whether investigators had visited his home, Pirate Party Coordinator Marc Goergen declined to comment.

Goergen described the reaction of the party's staff as "obviously shocked" by the sudden police presence. He emphasised that current party members were not involved in the MALT affair, as it dates back to 2016. Consequently, Goergen explained, staff members were unable to answer many of the police's questions since they were not part of the party at the time.

Goergen suggested that the investigation could potentially benefit the Pirate Party, noting that a thorough review might clear the party and his fellow MP Sven Clement of any suspicion. Goergen emphasised that the allegations against the party still need to be substantiated, and an ideal outcome would be a full exoneration in the MALT dossier. Such an outcome, he added, could help the party regain public trust.

It is worth noting that it was Goergen who initially voiced concerns about the MALT dossier. When asked if he would apologise to Sven Clement if the investigation clears him, Goergen replied that he saw no reason to apologise, explaining, "I simply passed on the information [Sven Clement] had shared with party leadership at the time to the police."

In addition to the ongoing investigation by the European Public Prosecutor's Office, the Court of Auditors is conducting its own review of the MALT dossier following a request from the parliamentary budget control commission.