Corruption scandal in Austria: Brief confidante before investigation committee

The former Kurz confidant Schmid is to testify today in the committee of inquiry into the ÖVP corruption affair. This is eagerly awaited – while scraps are still flying in Austria’s politics.

On one point, Austria’s politicians are currently in agreement across all parties: Trust in politics has eroded. And even the Federal President thought after the latest revelations: “But none of this can be true.”

The most recent trigger for the collective shaking of heads: the statements of Thomas Schmid, a former confidante of the ex-chancellor, a former top official in the Ministry of Finance and former head of the state-owned ÖBAG, which controls the holdings of the state of Austria. Powerful items, then.

In the Ministry of Finance, Thomas Schmid claims to have been involved in bringing ex-Chancellor Sebastian Kurz to power with partially falsified surveys. Schmid is said to have come to the top of ÖBAG with Kurz’s help. He denies both.

“How free the will can be is questionable”

In a special session of the National Council, other ÖVP politicians again questioned the truthfulness of Schmid’s statements, such as MP Corinna Scharzenberger: “It’s about an interrogation protocol of a Mr. Schmid, who wants to negotiate a special status with the WKStA (business and corruption prosecutor’s office). as a key witness.”

In order for him to become a key witness, he had to make a significant contribution to the investigation, the whole thing had to happen voluntarily – and thirdly, “inner repentance” was needed, Schwarzenberger continued. “It’s questionable how free the will can be when that’s practically the only way out.”

Opposition calls for new elections

The opposition sees the federal government as unable to act as a result of the scandal and is calling for new elections. Corresponding motions did not go through in Parliament because of the government majority.

Today the arguments continue in the committee of inquiry, where the fronts are somewhat different than in parliament: everyone is against the ÖVP, which is the subject of the U-committee. It is unclear whether and how Schmid will comment on the questions. According to Schmid’s lawyer, his client did not want to comment on this in advance in the media.

However, it is now clear what MPs can and cannot ask Schmid about. Namely not on topics on which the public prosecutor’s office has not yet finally questioned him. With the exception of the ÖVP, all parties agree.

The Constitutional Court should clarify what may be asked

In order to prevent the ÖVP from asking other questions, the coalition partner used a trick yesterday. In a one-off step, the Green Minister of Justice appealed to the Constitutional Court. He should clarify whether Schmid can be questioned about the uncompleted topics.

A verdict is not expected before Schmid’s questioning. But according to the law, nothing can be asked in the U-Committee that is still pending before the Supreme Court.