On Monday, Greens MP Meris Šehović argued in conversation with RTL that the fraudulent migration affair must be thoroughly and transparently investigated to restore public trust and prevent similar abuses in the future.
The affair, which centres on roughly 230 cases involving third-country employees, has already prompted searches at two ministries, five companies, and several private addresses this summer.
Šehović described it as a serious scandal that has developed over several years. He added that a crucial issue is to establish who was aware of the irregularities, at what point, and why the problems were allowed to persist despite early warnings.
He pointed to weaknesses across multiple state institutions such as municipalities, the National Employment Agency (ADEM), the Immigration Directorate, and the Ministry of Education, which enabled individuals to unlawfully obtain residence permits for a few thousand euros by using forged addresses, fictitious employment contracts, and falsified diplomas or language certificates.
This situation is "unacceptable", and while the judiciary will deal with individual cases, it is now up to the Chamber of Deputies to scrutinise the overall system, according to Šehović.
He suspects that certain vulnerabilities persist and called for swift action to address them.
When asked about whistleblower allegations in 2019 and the possible responsibility of former Greens ministers, Šehović stated that the necessary steps were already taken at the time: the Ministry of Home Affairs relayed the information to the Ministry of Justice, which then forwarded it to the public prosecutor, leaving it to the judiciary to decide on further action.
He emphasised that he does not wish to see a "witch hunt" or demand resignations, preferring instead to focus on closing loopholes in public administration.
Looking ahead to next year, Šehović hopes that the problems now identified will have been resolved.
Regarding last week's state budget presentation, Šehović argued that the government appears disconnected from the crisis affecting the population, labelling the strategy a "fair-weather budget" in stormy times. While allocations have been distributed broadly, he notes that the main beneficiaries are high-income earners and property investors who drive speculation.
He also raised concerns about the multi-annual budget, particularly the reduction in future-focused investment. He highlighted that investment in the tram network expansion will fall by around €100 million over the next three years.
Despite a summer marked by record heat and drought, funding for the water and nature funds is set to be cut by €80 to €90 million during the same period.
The Greens MP therefore warned that these cuts will have negative consequences in the future, describing the situation as a missed opportunity for the country.
Šehović believes that the debate about national debt should focus on how funds are used rather than just the amount. According to him, borrowing is justified when it is invested in public infrastructure, schools, and hospitals where there are clear needs.
However, he criticised the government for increasing national debt despite record revenues, mainly as a result of short-term spending that fails to produce lasting improvements for the country.
Šehović explained that his recent resignation as alderman in Esch-sur-Alzette was an agreed-upon step within the local Greens after the last municipal elections.
Although he received slightly more votes than Mandy Ragni, who has now taken over, both saw the election results as a joint mandate and decided to share responsibility, communicating this transparently.
He also welcomed the fact that the previously all-male council now has two women. Šehović remains a member of the municipal council and intends to continue advancing green projects with his team.
He did not commit to standing as the lead candidate in the next municipal elections, but reaffirmed his strong connection to Esch, where he has settled with his family.
If the party wishes and he feels support from local residents, Šehović indicated he would be willing to stand again in future elections.
