The ADR has called for an investigative commission to look into the issue of covert police files, a move welcomed by the Pirate Party. The CSV, which has already raised its concerns about the secret records, stated its MPs would discuss their position on the move on Tuesday.
This latest reaction emerged late on Tuesday morning following the session of the parliamentary commission on the civil service, interior security, and defence. The buzzwords used by opposition MPs were notably 'transparency' and 'clarity'.
ADR MP Fernand Kartheiser insisted the government issue clarity in the interest of citizens' civil rights. He elaborated that an investigative committee would examine whether the secret police files affair created negative repercussions for citizens. In other words, whether or not potential job seekers could be refused a job despite having a clean criminal record.
Kartheiser went on to say that his party is not questioning whether the police have the right to such files, as this was self-evident. However, the MP specified that there must be regulations on how this information is used.
CSV MP Gilles Roth called for transparency, referring to the introduction of GDPR and a drive in data protection legislation. He specifically demanded that lawmakers verify whether the data used in these so-called secret police files correspond to GDPR points. Roth also highlighted the importance of the presumption of innocence. The CSV MP urged the government to publicly state the type of information which is collected in these files. Finally, he expressed his surprise that the government had yet to officially and clearly communicate its stance on the matter.
Pirate Party MP Marc Goegen also declared that the party wants 'complete transparency'. A parliamentary question was submitted concerning how much ministers know about which police files. The Pirate Party expressed its full support of the ADR demand for an investigative commission.
When asked what he thought of the idea, Minister of Internal Security and Defence François Bausch maintained that if the Chamber believes it needs an investigate commission, then MPs should do that. He also said if it came to that, all ministers would be available to provide answers.
Bausch also announced he would provide a response to the CSV parliamentary question on the matter within the week. The question concerned whether the 1992 legislation on secret police files had been adapted to the current zeitgeist and its emphasis on data protection. The minister affirmed he would contact the data protection commission and the police's general inspectorate for their guidance on the matter.
Secret records: MPs submit parliamentary question seeking clarity on covert police files
