The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has removed its general secretary amid headlines surrounding the so-called Qatargate affair. The move comes as the organization sits at the center of investigations that connect high‑level unions with questions about influence and funding in recent years.
<pLuca Visentini, aged 54, was in the spotlight after prosecutors and investigators noted a cash payment described as a donation that totaled less than 50,000 euros. The contribution was said to come from an NGO led by Pier Antonio Panzeri, a former European Parliament member who is among the principal figures under scrutiny in the case. The donation is presented in official summaries as having served campaign costs rather than being tied to any improper influence or quid pro quo involving Qatar.
<pThe ITUC leadership noted that Visentini’s appointment to lead the federation occurred in November, followed by his suspension on December 21. In its formal declaring of events, the ITUC stated that an internal review did not find evidence of the donor's funds steering the federation’s policies. Nevertheless, the organization acknowledged that Visentini’s involvement in the donation had compromised trust within the General Council and effectively eroded confidence in his leadership.
<pThe ITUC has indicated that a new secretary general will be elected at an extraordinary session of the central congress, and the organization emphasized its commitment to continuing work on behalf of workers across member unions. A spokesperson for the federation stressed that the review process remains ongoing and that the body will provide updates as appropriate, while maintaining a focus on protecting workers’ rights and ensuring transparent governance [citation needed].
<pObservers note that the broader investigation touches on concerns about how financial support to unions is documented and administered, and how such support may or may not influence policy decisions within large international labor networks. The case has drawn attention to governance practices, compliance procedures, and the standards unions apply when handling contributions from diverse sources [citation needed].
<pAnalysts emphasize the importance of accountability mechanisms within global labor organizations and caution against drawing conclusions before all facts are established. They point to the need for rigorous audits, clear reporting, and independent oversight to preserve the integrity of union leadership and to reassure member bodies about the independence of strategic decisions from external interests [citation needed].
<pMeanwhile, supporters of Visentini contend that the donations in question were intended to cover administrative costs tied to campaign activities within the ITUC framework and did not reflect an attempt to sway policy toward any particular state or actor. They call for a careful, evidence-based assessment that distinguishes between legitimate fundraising and improper influence, especially in a climate where public trust in institutions is already under scrutiny [citation needed].
<pAs the extraordinary session approaches, the international labor community watches closely to see how the ITUC will respond to these revelations while continuing its mission to advance the rights of workers around the world. The organization reaffirms its dedication to protecting trade union freedoms, promoting social dialogue, and upholding democratic governance across regional and national unions [citation needed].