The parliamentary committee on budget execution has begun examining the failed sports museum project, with opposition MPs expressing dissatisfaction over the government’s answers.
A political resignation has already followed, and although the project has been scrapped, the issue is set to remain on the political agenda. The committee is now working through the case chronologically, focusing in particular on a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Sport and a property company, and on whether and when the Council of Government was informed.
At the heart of the matter are legal questions, potential procedural errors, and responsibilities. In short, who knew what, and when.
In addition to the Ministry of Sport, the Ministry of Finance, and the Public Building Administration are also involved. The committee had submitted 39 questions to the government at the start of the year.
However, the responses have failed to satisfy opposition MPs, who say they do little to clarify the situation. That was the general impression following the meeting at the Chamber.
As the legal opinion from the Ministry of Sport is still pending, the committee now wishes for the parliamentary scientific unit to examine the case in parallel. An opinion from the Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) was also discussed.
The document remains confidential, meaning MPs cannot comment on its contents, although it appeared to be of significant interest for the handling of the case. Calls have therefore been made to make the document public.
Looking ahead, Sports Minister Martine Hansen, Finance Minister Gilles Roth, and Mobility and Public Works Minister Yuriko Backes are expected to be invited to appear before the committee. Opposition MPs have also not ruled out calling for a parliamentary inquiry commission.
