Before the 2017 elections, the faithful of ex-chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) worked out a budget plan for 2018 to 2022 as part of their “Ballhausplatz project” – without involving then-Finance Minister Hans Jörg Schelling (ÖVP). This is apparent from further conversations with Thomas Schmid, then Secretary-General of the Ministry of Finance.
As the “Standard” reported, Schmid chatted with Bernhard Bonelli, then a foreign minister under Kurz. Both were among the close trusts of the Chancellor, who resigned in the wake of the poll affair. Apparently Gernot Blümel, Markus Gstöttner (now Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s private secretary) and the then ÖVP Secretary-General Stefan Steiner were also involved.
Schmid suggested “changes in SPÖ strongholds”.
The chats revealed that Kurz’s confidants, through Schmid, steered the ministry’s official budget process from outside the Treasury Department. On October 2, 2017, Bonelli wrote to Schmid: “FYI, we agreed with Stefan on Friday that Gernot, Bernd and I would meet you about the budget”. Schmid agrees and had a suggestion. “Changes in SPÖ strongholds where there is much to be gained and no one hurt.”
A week later, Bonelli asked Schmid to send the budget plan document to Gstöttner as well. After the election of the National Council, Schmid said: “As you asked, I have not shown anyone the way, not even Schelling. Hopefully Sebastian and Co know that too.” As Bonelli confirmed Schelling made his position available in December 2017.
Source: Krone
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