Audit Finds Millions in Dubious Funds

An independent audit of illicit party financing by Germany’s opposition Christian Democrats revealed that more than $6.3 million came from undetermined sources from 1989 to 1998, according to party Treasurer Matthias Wissmann. Party officials suggested that $1.14 million of that corresponds to amounts that former Chancellor Helmut Kohl says he solicited between 1993 and 1998. Kohl has denied misusing any of the money but has refused to disclose its sources. Wolfgang Schaeuble, who took over leadership of the party, said legal pressure will be put on former tax advisor Horst Weyrauch to cooperate with the investigation. The party backed away from suggestions that it would sue Kohl to make him talk.