Full Breakdown
EU Parliament Blocks Immunity Waiver for Slovenian Lawmaker Tonin
7/16/2026, 1:05:01 AM
Core Decision
The European Parliament’s legal affairs committee voted to reject the request to lift the parliamentary immunity of Slovenian lawmaker Tonin. The committee’s recommendation now awaits ratification by the Parliament’s plenary in September, where a simple majority will determine the final outcome.
Background of Allegations
Slovenian prosecutors allege that Tonin obtained police information about whether investigators had wiretapped individuals connected to a bribery investigation. Prosecutors contend the lawmaker sought the data “not in the manner intended by law but rather with the intent of securing benefits for themselves and others.” The legal affairs committee’s report described the case as containing “elements of political persecution” by Slovenian authorities.
Official Statements & Responses
Tonin denied the accusations, telling Slovenian media that he was “pleased” the committee had taken sufficient time to review the prosecutors’ documentation before reaching a decision. Slovenian prosecutors maintained that the request to access the wiretap information was improper and aimed at personal gain. An anonymous source from the European People’s Party (EPP) group described the request to lift immunity as “baseless and unfounded,” noting “chronological inconsistencies” in the material submitted and arguing that the committee was justified in refusing the waiver.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics argue that the committee’s finding of political persecution reflects a broader pattern of partisan shielding within the European Parliament, particularly by right-wing factions. They contend that the decision may set a precedent for limiting accountability of members facing serious criminal investigations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am pleased that [the legal affairs committee] took sufficient time to carefully review the documentation submitted to the European Parliament by the Slovenian Specialized Prosecutor’s Office and then reached a final decision today.” — Tonin, Slovenian lawmaker
- “not in the manner intended by law but rather with the intent of securing benefits for themselves and others.” — Slovenian prosecutors (statement on alleged wiretap request)
- “The request to lift the immunity was baseless and unfounded,” — Anonymous source, European People’s Party (EPP)
- “Several political groups, including the EPP Group, identified chronological inconsistencies in the material submitted with the request. In light of these inconsistencies, it was considered appropriate not to recommend the waiver of immunity.” — EPP source (confidential briefing)
