Kohl’s Party Names Panel in Funds Probe

The head of Germany’s conservatives appointed an independent commission to investigate the financing scandal plaguing former Chancellor Helmut Kohl’s party. Parliament also proceeded with its own inquiry into the allegedly illegal donations to the Christian Democratic Union, or CDU. The ruling Social Democratic Party has said it wants to question 26 CDU bosses and aides--including Kohl, whose 16-year rule ended in 1998. The list of witnesses is up for approval when the Parliament panel holds its first working meeting Thursday. The CDU’s own inquiry will be led by former President Roman Herzog, former central bank President Hans Tietmeyer and former federal Judge Paul Kirchhof. Herzog and Tietmeyer belong to the CDU; Kirchhof is close to the party. The panel will base its report on an audit of party finances.