The Berlin public prosecutor's office has filed charges against former Federal Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer, accusing him of false testimony before a Bundestag investigation in 2020 regarding the failed car toll project.

Scheuer claimed in October 2020 that there was no offer from the toll operator consortium to delay the contract until after the European Court of Justice's ruling, a statement contradicted by involved company managers.

The toll project, a flagship CSU initiative, was halted by the EuGH in June 2019 for being illegal, resulting in a €243 million compensation payment by the German government to the toll operators.

Despite legal issues and the project's failure, Scheuer remained in office and later defended his actions, though he faced criticism for signing contracts prematurely without clear legal approval.

The prosecutor's office considers the evidence sufficient for a trial, and if Scheuer is convicted of perjury, he could face a prison sentence of three months to five years.

Scheuer denies the charges, claiming they are politically motivated, and criticizes the timing of the investigation, which he says is aimed at exploiting the media lull during summer.

He has publicly attacked the prosecution, asserting that the charges are unjustified, and has dismissed the case as politically motivated, arguing that his statement about his memory was legally valid.

The case is complex, involving detailed internal facts about intentions and knowledge, with the investigation beginning in spring 2022 and emphasizing thoroughness.

This legal case serves as a warning to politicians about the importance of accountability, especially when attempts to evade responsibility through evasive testimony are involved.

The broader context highlights ongoing issues in German traffic policy, including a lack of responsibility and accountability for decisions that led to significant legal and financial repercussions.

While Scheuer maintains his innocence, the case underscores the persistent challenge of political accountability and the potential consequences of legal proceedings against high-profile figures.

The legal proceedings are part of a broader pattern of evasive testimony among politicians, with parallels drawn to other figures like Olaf Scholz, affecting transparency in German politics.