CDU Kickback Scandal Widens

The scandal surrounding Germany’s Christian Democrat general secretary Laurenz Meyer and the payments he’s received from energy giant RWE may just be the tip of the proverbial iceberg, Financial Times Deutschland reported on Tuesday. According to the daily, up to 40 German politicians are on the payroll of the German multi-utility company RWE, receiving mainly payments and electricity subsidies. The names have not been disclosed except of those of CDU general secretary Laurenz Meyer and Herman-Josef Arentz, a senior CDU leader who resigned two weeks ago after admitting that he received €60,000 ($80,300) in illegal payments from RWE. There were reports at the weekend that Meyer received about €125,000 in compensation after leaving his job as an executive at RWE in the 2000. Just a few months later he was back with RWE but didn’t pay back the compensation. In addition Meyer has continued to receive electricity at the subsidised RWE staff rate after he has taken on the job of CDU general secretary. Meyer has so far refused to step down but said he would donate about €80,000 to a children’s charity.