Process: acquittal for Austria’s ex-chancellor

The Higher Regional Court of Vienna acquired Austria’s ex-Chancellor Sebastian Kurz of the accusation of false statements. The legally binding judgment raises a prior conviction of eight months in prison for probation from the Vienna Regional Court.

In 2020, the Parliament’s Ibiza examination committee was asked about his role in ordering supervisory boards for the State Holding ÖBAG. According to the first instance, he had reduced his significant influence on the personal details.

According to the Higher Regional Court, the answers of Kurz but not to be regarded as wrong. He did not give the appearance to have stated completely and finally, the Senate said.

For short an important stage victory

Briefly was relieved after the acquittal. He was exposed to an “unse of conflicts with these allegations”. The ex-chancellor announced that he wanted to express himself in more detail in the next few days.

For Kurz, the acquittal is an important stage victory in his examination of the judiciary. Investigations by the Economic and Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (WKSTA) are still underway in the so-called advertisement affair.

It is briefly accused that he had paid surveys paid with tax money and government advertisements in Boulevard newspapers. In return, the team is said to have hoped for positive reporting for the advertisements. The ex-chancellor denies the allegations.

Again and again speculation about resignation from resignation

In short, now as an entrepreneur and investor, from 2017 to 2021 with a multi -month interruption of Austria’s head of government. The once extremely popular 38-year-old had resigned under the pressure of public prosecutor’s investigation in autumn 2021. Later he said goodbye to politics.

Media always speculate whether the former head of the conservative ÖVP could go back to the political stage in the medium term. So far he himself has denied such intentions.