Minister faces flak over car to Spain

Source: Agencies | July 27, 2009, Monday |

Print Edition

GERMANY'S Social Democrat (SPD) health minister came under pressure yesterday to explain why she took her official limousine, complete with chauffeur, on holiday to Spain where the vehicle was stolen.

Opposition politicians demanded Ulla Schmidt provide details about the affair, which could damage the SPD who trailed Chancellor Angela Merkel's party by more than 10 points in opinion polls in the run-up to a September 27 federal election.

The health ministry issued a statement yesterday, saying an official car and driver were available to Schmidt, and all cabinet members, for business and private use at all times.

"She used the official car several times both on official business and privately on her holiday in Spain this year," said the ministry.

Thieves stole the keys from the chauffeur's accommodation near Alicante, a ministry spokeswoman said on Saturday, adding Schmidt had used the Mercedes-Benz for official meetings to discuss healthcare issues with Germans who had retired to Spain.

World

About Us
|
Terms of Use
|
RSS
|
Privacy Policy
|
Contact Us
|
Shanghai Call Center: 962288
|
Tip-off hotline: 52920043

沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
|
互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
|
网络视听许可证：0909346
|
广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
|
增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012

Minister faces flak over car to Spain

Email this to your friend