The calls from both the FPÖ and the Vice-Chancellor to the NEOS to agree to an extension of the Corruption U Commission are apparently in vain. The pinks are sticking to their No. Group leader Stephanie Krisper explains: “All the new facts Thomas Schmid unpacked are not new. They don’t show new forms of corruption and abuse of power.”
The former Secretary-General of Finance Thomas Schmid, who, as reported, would like to present himself as a key witness to the Public Prosecutor for Economic Affairs and Corruption, is placing a heavy burden on ex-Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP), investor René Benko , Chairman of the National Council Wolfgang Sobotka and other companions of the ÖVP. The details of the testimony protocol, which was drawn up after 15 full-day interrogations, have it all: The former chancellor was involved in the inquiry affair – he knew exactly that the embellished studies he used in conquering the ÖVP party presidency and the chancery were funded by the Ministry of Finance. In addition, Kurz was very actively involved in the appointment of Schmid as the sole director of the state investment company ÖBAG. The former ÖVP boss had denied this before the inquiry. In addition, Sobotka foiled tax audits “at the Alois Mock Foundation or at the Alois Mock Institute” and at the Erwin Proell Private Foundation.
FPÖ understands “gravedigger” NEOS. not
Over the course of Wednesday, both Kurz and Sobotka spoke out, dismissing Schmid’s allegations. The former lawyer of the government leader also wants to be in possession of a tape recording that should refute Schmid’s statements. For example, a new dynamic has emerged in various corruption investigations. These also overshadowed Wednesday’s U-Commission meeting, when investigations into Corona financing were on the agenda. While FPÖ mandatary Christian Hafenecker doesn’t understand why “the NEOS, who are committed to disclosure, clarification and transparency, are mutating into the gravediggers of the investigative committee,” the pinks want to go ahead as planned. December 7 should be the end.
Party leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger explained in the Ö1 “Morgenjournal” on Thursday that the parliamentary investigations that “started with Ibiza” have now arrived in full in criminal law. “The U Commission is not a law enforcement agency. Independent courts must now clear this up.” In terms of political accountability, “everything is on the table”, Meinl-Reisinger continued. It is also “completely clear” what political consequences will follow: a stricter criminal law on corruption, a law on liberty of information, finally a federal prosecutor’s office free of instructions, and new elections should now follow.
Source: Krone
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