Two long-awaited legislative projects in the judiciary, which have not yet been implemented due to a lack of approval by the ÖVP, could soon be decided upon. Justice Minister Alma Zadic (Greens) assumes that the final vote will be taken on the tightening of the criminal law against corruption and the law on brokers. According to parliamentary correspondence, the minister has explained this in the Justice Committee.
There has been intensive discussion with the coalition partner about criminal law in the field of corruption. The minister explained on Thursday that she expects the case to start soon. The brokerage law is also “in the final phase of the vote”.
There has been a long-standing debate about tightening up corruption
Gaps revealed in the course of the Ibiza affair need to be closed in criminal law on corruption – with an amendment tabled by Zadic more than a year ago. Criminal liability for buying mandates will be expanded and the concept of officials involved in bribery will be expanded. It should also be a criminal offense if a politician promises a certain service in exchange for money or other benefits before he has the corresponding position of “civil servant” – that is, before he is on an election campaign.
Broker commission through the back door?
The amendment to the real estate law should abolish these often high fees for tenants. Zadic’s party colleague Nina Tomaselli recently complained that the ÖVP wanted to soften the minister’s draft – specifically the provision in the text intended to prevent the abolished mediation commission from being reintroduced through the back door.
The Attorney General’s Office may need even more time
Discussions are still ongoing about the transfer of the right of instruction to public prosecutors from the ministry to a general prosecutor’s office. After criticism of an initial draft, a new draft is drawn up for child rights reform and then political agreement is reached, Zadic reported. The second part of the reform of the enforcement of measures is also being worked out. The reform of the prohibition law will soon be sent for review.
Negotiations, hearings & Co.: Corona rules remain
The Corona regulations for the administration of justice, which are initially limited to the end of 2022, will be extended once again: if necessary, oral hearings, certain hearings and taking of evidence will remain possible until 30 June 2023 “by appropriate means”. of communication for word or image transmission” – ie via video conference -. In addition, the provision of maintenance advances in the first half of 2023 will remain free of charge. The ÖVP, Greens and SPÖ agreed.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
