May 15 – Just days before his appearance before judicial authorities, Switzerland’s attorney general Michael Lauber has again been urged to stand down over his bungled handling of an official investigation into alleged FIFA-related corruption as well as undocumented meetings with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Reports in Switzerland say Lauber should jump before most likely being pushed so that he can partially save face.
Lauber has been summoned to appear before the Swiss judiciary on May 20 and could become the first federal prosecutor in Switzerland’s history to be stood down by parliament.
He is convinced he is not guilty of any wrongdoing and is therefore clinging to power. But with Switzerland’s reputation at stake, numerous voices are calling on him to leave on his own initiative.
“Now is the last moment to go with heads still somewhat raised,” BDP National Councilor Lorenz Hess, a member of the judicial commission, was quoted by the Blick tabloid newspaper.
Lawmakers want to know whether Lauber broke rules or was grossly negligent – and whether there was any collusion between Lauber and Infantino. If they not satisfied with his explanations, impeachment proceedings will most likely be opened.
Another parliamentarian and seasoned FIFA watcher Roland Rino Büchel commented: “The institution that he praises so much is largely paralyzed because of him.”
“He should now show greatness and say goodbye. That not only helps himself, but the whole of Switzerland.”
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