The Caritas special commission has extended its investigation deadline until National Day, allowing more time to hear from key stakeholders involved in the €61 million misappropriation, despite differing views on the commission's role in investigating responsibility.
Originally, the work of the Caritas special commission was expected to be completed by mid-April, but on Wednesday, the responsible deputies extended the timeline until National Day.
The decision to push the deadline was made in order to allow more time to hear additional stakeholders involved in the misappropriation of €61 million at the aid organisation. Charles Weiler, third president of the Caritas special commission and member of the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) explained, "We have the FEDAS [Federation of actors in the social sector] and the Diocese next week, and then Mr. Crochet, who has pledged to participate. I have not yet received confirmation from Mrs. Jacobs."
The commission also plans to hear from the auditor of Caritas, Grant Thornton, as well as the two banks, BGL BNP Paribas and Spuerkeess, that provided Caritas with credit lines exceeding €30 million.
Despite these developments, Sven Clement, a deputy from the Pirate Party, reiterated that the commission's purpose is not to investigate matters of responsibility. "We are not an inquiry commission," he stated. "Our role is to focus on political issues and develop recommendations for the future. I can imagine the two affected banks might suggest ways in which things could have been handled better."
Taina Bofferding, the rapporteur for the relevant parliamentary commission and leader of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP), welcomed the inclusion of additional actors. Her party had also suggested hearing from other individuals involved in Caritas's management, such as former members of the supervisory board, who reportedly resigned just before the scandal broke. "I think it's important to contact those people," she noted.
However, the commission did not adopt this proposal. The rapporteur suggested that further exchanges would be necessary to determine if all questions can be answered. The Caritas special commission's report is expected to be debated in the Chamber before National Day.
