Justice Minister Alma Zadić (Greens) speaks with the “Krone” about long-awaited reforms in the field of corruption and chat evaluations, attacks by the ÖVP against them and corruption investigators.
Justitia was hotly contested in 2022. And controversial. “We have seen that confidence in politics has fallen due to chats. Winning it back also requires a strong and independent judiciary. I have created over 500 additional jobs. The reorganization of the chain of command was also important. The prosecutors can now work uninfluenced and without political calls,” said Justice Minister Alma Zadić.
Long procedures: more staff should help
There is also criticism from lawyers that the procedures are taking too long. The average length of the procedure is 3.6 months, so Austria is doing very well internationally, Zadić replies. Special rules apply to so-called large-scale procedures that take a long time. “Still, you have to look at it. We have increased the number of prosecutors by ten percent. In addition, prosecutors have to work in teams. For the courts, we have a pilot project at the Vienna Higher Regional Court with academic staff who support the judges.”
Attacks on justice and trouble zone chats
In particular, the WKStA (business and corruption public prosecutor’s office, memorandum) is in the spotlight. “Influential people and politicians are also investigated here. PR consultants can afford them, so the proceedings also take place in public. This is often at the expense of the government. We take this development into account and equip the judiciary with communication experts. One thing is certain: the parquet floors work efficiently. The WKStA interrogated Thomas Schmid in the depths of secrecy, without the public finding out.”
The corruption investigators were also heavily criticized by the ÖVP, as was the minister herself. The attacks on her personally are not so relevant, “but attacks on the judiciary are dangerous. I’m glad we were able to fend off the attacks. And I’m also happy that we have a strong civil society, I’m thinking of the anti-corruption referendum, for example.”
The hot topic was securing and evaluating data carriers. Lawyers are calling for reform and more suspicious rights. They are an important area, says Zadić. At the same time, investigative possibilities should not be restricted if serious crimes are prevented. “That’s the tension we’re moving in.” Talks are taking place with State Secretary Karoline Edtstadler. Within the framework of the establishment of a General Prosecutor’s Office, which should consist of two three-member senates. This area, as well as the chats, are “highly sensitive areas”. You have to look at the whole and don’t push anything through.
Anti-corruption law: “I am very persistent”
At the end of 2021, Alma Zadić presented a reform document for a tougher corruption law – including a ban on buying mandates. “It’s irritating that this hasn’t been banned for a long time.” The law is long overdue. But the ÖVP did not play along. “The draft is being negotiated. Both Chancellor and Minister Edtstadler have announced that an agreement must be reached quickly.” Angry at the coalition partner for the delay? “I’m very persistent about things that are important.”
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.
