The costs of the attorney general of the Swiss Confederation Michael Lauber have so far been borne by the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPC). The latter paid for this 39,889 francs, said Monday the Supervisory Authority of the Public Ministry of the Confederation.
Mr. Lauber makes use of his right to be represented by a lawyer at any time during the procedure in accordance with the law on administrative procedure, said the Supervisory Authority of the Federal Prosecutor’s Office in a written answer to two questions parliamentarians on the subject. The final amount of the invoice will only be determined after a final decision of the Federal Administrative Court.
Who will bear the costs?
The MPC will continue to pay the costs until a final settlement. The question of who should bear the costs of representing the prosecutor is not clear, however.
The Parliament’s finance delegation is currently examining the subject. In the event of a negative decision, the MPC must ensure that the costs are borne by Mr. Lauber and that the payments already made are reimbursed, said the Supervisory Authority of the Federal Prosecutor’s Office.
Revocation procedure
The prosecutor faces a revocation procedure. He is at risk of being removed from office due to his secret meetings with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Following a disciplinary investigation, the Supervisory Authority of the Federal Prosecutor’s Office concluded in March that the public prosecutor had committed very serious breaches before, but also during the disciplinary procedure.
In particular, he allegedly made statements contrary to the truth, violated the duty of loyalty or obstructed the disciplinary investigation. Mr Lauber however contested the formal and substantive complaints. He also criticizes the supervisor for having committed numerous procedural errors, for exceeding its powers and for showing bias.
The supervisory authority has ordered that the prosecutor’s salary be reduced by 8% for one year. But Mr. Lauber appealed to the Federal Administrative Court which has not yet decided.
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