Junior finance minister under fire over contacts with corruption suspect

Junior finance minister Frans Weekers will today inform parliament about his links with a former Roermond city councillor who is under investigation for corruption.


VVD senator and Roermond council alderman Jos van Rey resigned in October following accusations he coached a candidate for an interview for the position of mayor in the city. This was the latest in a series of accusations against the Liberal party member, who is also suspected of corruption.
VVD member Weekers has now admitted Van Rey contributed financially towards the VVD’s regional campaign during the general election but denies have a friendly relationship with him.
Election
During the election, Van Rey placed an advertising hoarding on the A73 near Roermond with a photo of Weekers and the text ‘Vote Limburg’. A spokesman for Weekers first denied the minister knew who had paid for the hoarding but Weekers later admitted he had given permission, the NRC reported last month.
Opposition MPs are also concerned about Weekers’ decision not to move a regional tax office from Roermond to Venlo as recommended.
Van Rey is also said to have asked for Weekers’ help in solving a personal tax problem, which the minister says he refused, current affairs show Nieuwsuur reported.
‘My conscience is clear, otherwise I would not be able to do this job,’ Weekers told the programme.
Earlier stories
VVD senator at centre of corruption probe stands down

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