The perjury trial of former German Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer and his co-defendant Gerhard Schulz, a former state secretary, commenced on Monday at the Berlin District Court. They are accused of lying to a parliamentary committee that investigated a failed scheme to levy a highway toll on foreign motorists some seven years ago. Both defendants deny the charges.

According to the indictment, they misled the committee by claiming they had signed a contract with a company to operate the toll system despite knowing that the European Court of Justice (ECJ) was likely to declare the scheme illegal. Scheuer's Christian Social Union (CSU), the Bavarian sister party of the Christian Democrats (CDU) currently led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, had devised a plan to toll all drivers but compensate German motorists by reducing their motor vehicle taxes.

The scheme was struck down in 2019 by the ECJ for breaching EU rules. But by that time, the Transport Ministry under Scheuer had already signed binding contracts with the operators who were to execute the plan. The German government was then forced to pay €243 million ($283 million at current exchange rates) in damages to the companies involved.

The trial is scheduled to last 12 days, with a verdict expected on November 25. If found guilty, the accused could face jail sentences ranging from three months to five years. The case highlights ongoing concerns about political accountability and transparency in Germany.

In other news, recent state elections have brought bad results for Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democrats (CDU), potentially increasing tensions within the ruling coalition. On a positive note, cherry and pear farmers have enjoyed their best harvest in years thanks to mild spring weather, providing a boost to the agricultural sector.

Source: www.dw.com