Corruption investigation into German MP Axel Fischer again demonstrates why Council of Europe needs a permanent investigative body
Germany should use its current Chairmanship to create anti-corruption safeguardThe German Bundestag yesterday lifted MP Axel Fischer’s parliamentary immunity over suspicions of corruption during his former role as delegate to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). The case is further evidence of the need for the Council of Europe to establish its own permanent body for investigating corruption among delegates and officials. Prosecutors reportedly suspect Fischer of receiving payments from Azerbaijan in return for promoting the country’s interests. In 2017, the