Luxembourg spying scandal breaks Juncker government

Source: Reuters

Luxembourg will hold new elections after the junior coalition partner in Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker's government said he should take political responsibility for failing to curb abuse of power by the secret service.

Luxembourg's parliament on Wednesday reviewed a report it commissioned on the security agency's illegal bugging of politicians, purchase of cars for private use and allegations it took payments and favors in exchange for access to local officials.

The report concluded that Juncker had limited control over the agency despite being the responsible minister and that he failed to inform either the parliamentary committee of control or justice authorities about its operations.

"We invite the prime minister to take full political responsibility in this context and ask the government to intervene with the head of state to clear the path for new elections," Alex Bodry, the president of the socialist coalition partner, told the Luxembourg parliament.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/10/us-luxembourg-government-spying-idUSBRE9690U520130710