Stricter laws – Van der Bellen wants to do even more to combat corruption

water damage. renovation. Given the intense smell of corruption, Alexander Van der Bellen pressed the reform sleeve. An anti-corruption law has finally been launched. Buying mandates will be banned in the future (why this was previously allowed remains a mystery).

But the initiators of a corresponding referendum, including ex-ÖVP politician Michael Ikrath, ex-OGH president Irmgard Griss or constitutional lawyer Heinz Mayer, want more. This was discussed in Parliament’s Justice Committee on Thursday. “These were constructive conversations. But there is still a lot to do,” says Ikrath.

The responsible ministers, Alma Zadić (justice) and Karoline Edtstadler (constitution), were in any case open-minded. Likewise the Federal President: he asked the anti-corruption fighters to the Hofburg after the commission. He strengthened the back of Ikrath, Griss and Co. “Eliminating the water damage in our democracy must continue quickly. Public pressure is starting to take effect. I continue to expect rapid implementation of the announced plans.”

Initiator Ikrath continues: “We have provided the politicians with tools. Now we are looking at whether they can also be suitable installers.”

“Crime scene is mobile phone”
The head of the economic and corruption prosecutor’s office was invited to a rare appointment. Ilse Vrabl-Sanda encouraged the initiators. The top corruption fighter strictly rejects the ÖVP’s request for restrictions on the seizure and evaluation of mobile phones and laptops. “Our crime scene is regularly the cell phone,” says Vrabl-Sanda.

Without a mobile phone, no comprehensive investigation in the Ibiza complex including the ÖVP advertising cause – “simply not”. She also opposed the demand that the rights of the accused should be strengthened.