In the debate about funds from the Corona relief fund that were clearly received incorrectly, the Upper Austrian Seniors’ Union gave way for the time being and returned 1.91 million euros to the federal government. The association ÖVP does not yet write off the money – an appeal is pending before the administrative court.
In February, the Upper Austrian Senior Association succumbed to pressure from the Vice Chancellor and announced the repayment of almost two million euros in corona aid. The Independent Party Transparency Senate (UPTS) had previously ruled that these had been wrongly removed from the NPO pot – because the Seniors’ Association should be regarded as part of the ÖVP.
A total of 2.5 million euros nationwide
The ÖVP, on the other hand, had always argued that the associations of the same name that existed in different states and districts were not part of the party but non-profit. However, the Vice Chancellor’s Office followed the advice of the UPTS and demanded back 2.5 million euros from the senior association across Austria
Money for 298 district and local groups
They have now been fully reimbursed, according to a “Krone” request from the responsible ministry. From Upper Austria alone, the state association and 298 district and local groups transferred a total of 1.91 million euros.
‘Many officials lack insight’
Josef Pühringer, president of the Upper Austrian senior citizens’ association, still hopes to get the money back – if the administrative court overturns the UPTS decision. “The refund was bitter for the local groups. They had to liquidate reserves because they did not receive the aid money, but because of the loss of income. And if the (SPÖ-affiliated, note) children’s friends are allowed to keep the money in the same place, some official lacks insight.”
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.
