Despite the disclosure of abuses of office investigations against him, National Council chairman Wolfgang Sobotka (ÖVP) is holding onto the chairmanship of the ÖVP Commission of Inquiry. On Thursday, he led at least the first half of the investigation of ex-Justice Minister Wolfgang Brandstetter (ÖVP). Previously, all other groups — including coalition partner Greens — had suggested Sobotka relinquish the presidency.
On Wednesday it was announced that an investigation is underway into Sobotka for abuse of office. The reason is probably an advertisement by ex-MP Peter Pilz regarding a post to be filled in 2017. At the time, a candidate would have been prevented by the ÖVP from becoming deputy provincial police director in Vienna because she was seen as close to the SPÖ. The current chairman of the National Council, Sobotka, was the interior minister at the time.
Handed over the presidency on Wednesday, took over again on Thursday
Sobotka, who suspects “political motives” behind the investigation, handed over the presidency after a few minutes on Wednesday. The next day he did not comment on the investigation against him – and took the seat. Around noon he left the U-Committee and handed over the scepter to the PVV Norbert Hofer.
Greens also step away from Sobotka: “It is never determined without reason”
While the ÖVP representative on the U-Committee, Corinna Scharzenberger, initially saw no suspicion in Sobotka, the SPÖ and FPÖ again called on him to withdraw from the presidency so as not to “damage the reputation of the House any more” . Even the leader of the Green Party, Nina Tomaselli, said Sobotka would do well to bring relief if he finally reached conclusions, because: “Investigative authorities never investigate without reason.”
Source: Krone
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