Boris Johnson faces questions about ‘Partygate’ affair – Politics

Boris Johnson is known for not having too much self-doubt. Not even when he is under particular pressure, like this Wednesday, shortly before an important questioning in the so-called “Partygate” affair, the matter that cost him the office of prime minister last year.

Johnson says, “The committee has not produced a scrap of evidence to show that I did it.” By “it,” Johnson means that his critics say he deliberately lied to Parliament about banned celebrations at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

At 3 p.m. German time, Johnson has to face the investigative committee. The most important goal of the survey, which is scheduled to last four hours, is to clarify whether Johnson’s false statements were actually made intentionally or only negligently. In the first case, the conservative politician faces a longer suspension, which could also lead to a loss of the seat in the lower house.

In a written defense submitted in advance, Johnson admitted false information in Parliament, but he strictly rejected an intention. The Committee could not provide any evidence that it knowingly misled Parliament.

In Downing Street, the prime minister’s official residence, there were repeated parties during the pandemic and contrary to self-imposed corona rules, as research by various media has shown. Johnson didn’t attend most of the celebrations, but he was fined for attending a birthday party. The ex-prime minister had repeatedly stated in the House of Commons that no rules had been broken and that he had no knowledge of celebrations.

A preliminary report by the parliamentary committee, however, concluded that it must have been “obvious” to Johnson that corona rules were being broken at the illegal lockdown parties. Ultimately, the House of Commons will decide on a possible suspension of Johnson. Incumbent Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made it clear that there will be no factional constraints for the Tories. The party is threatened with a crucial test, supporters of Johnson in the cabinet such as Interior Secretary Suella Braverman have already clearly identified themselves as the ex-prime minister.