V. Uspaskich’s “starry hour” in Brussels – his side income of millions was revealed

Finally, after almost 15 years, Brussels learned that such a member of the European Parliament (EP) Viktor Uspaskich exists. True, not because of his alleged works – à la motions for resolutions that no one probably even reads, but for side income.

The most influential publication in Brussels Politico.eu announced that V. Uspaskich, the founder of the Labor Party and who has been in the EP for three terms, earns the most from activities unrelated to the EP among all MEPs.

“The work of an EP member is quite well paid. But being an MEP who promotes mineral water as protection against covid pays off even more,” he writes Politico.eu.

According to the publication, V. Uspaskich annually earns 3 million from the company “Edvervita”. euros, and Edvervita, whose main activity is related to real estate, is also the main shareholder of a mineral water company whose product, according to V. Uspaskich, can protect against infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.

As previously written, 90 percent the shares of the mineral water producer “Lamikaras” were owned by the real estate company “Edvervita”, half of which was owned by two shareholders – Julija and Eduard Uspaskichai, the children of V. Uspaskich from his first marriage registered in Belarus. 2010-2013 the sole shareholder of “Edvervitas” was V. Uspaskich himself. And although the EU announced that it was fighting disinformation about COVID-19 in every way, V. Uspaskich, who distributed the “magical” water, did not receive sanctions, because it was not done by the EP.

The job of an MEP is quite well paid. But being an MEP who promotes mineral water as protection against covid pays even more.

by the way Politico.eu also reminds that V. Uspaskich was recently accused of financing a disinformation portal, and since last month, an investigation has been launched against him regarding the alleged hiring of fictitious assistants in order to defraud 500,000 from the EP. euros. As a result, V. Uspaskich suspended his membership in the Labor Party and it is doubtful that he will remain in the EP for the fourth term.

It is true that V. Uspaskich is certainly not the only member of the EP who receives side income.

“Indeed, more than one out of four MEPs has an additional paid job. The annual income of the members of the European Parliament is 8,707,651.81 euros per year,” writes the organization “Transparency International EU”, which calculated the additional income of the members of the European Parliament, and reminds that all the members of the European Parliament, as elected representatives of the European public, earn about 120,000 euros. euros per year, excluding other benefits.

“European citizens deserve more than to be forgotten by politicians who care about their side income, and it’s time for the EP to recognize this.” Since the EP elections are just over a month away, now is the time to show the citizens that their elected representatives are serious about representing their interests”, urged Transparency International EU.