The party's executive had previously decided to consult a special committee to determine whether or not MEP Monica Semedo will remain a member of the DP. Semedo was suspended by the European Parliament following complaints of psychological harassment by three of the MEP's former staff members.
Usually, this special committee would only have come into play if Semedo had contested a decision by the DP executive. The newspaper Tageblatt reported that, according to party members, the DP wants to anticipate any potential appeal.
The DP's executive itself has not taken any decision yet and wants to await the special committee's assessment. If the latter recommended Semedo's expulsion from the party, the MEP could then address the Directorial Committee and appeal the decision. By convening the special committee pre-emptively, the Directorial Committee could then simply refer to the latter's initial assessment, and thus avoid a prolongation of the affair.
RTL Today Article (25.1.21): Following suspension: Special committee will decide over MEP Semedo's future in the Democratic PartyEditor's note: Tageblatt initially reported that the Special Committee would meet on Wednesday evening. This information was corrected by the DP, which stated that it was in fact the Directorial Committee that would meet on Wednesday to decide whether or not to convene the Special Committee as well as the latter's potential composition and meeting date.
