Negotiations before the Constitutional Court: The independence of the ORF was the focus of the highest judges. Some of them seemed irritated. A decision follows.
The ORF in the grip of politics. That’s allowed? And if so, how tight can the grip be? Big questions about the public monopoly. The Constitutional Court (VfGH) held public hearings on Tuesday. 14 chief justices in the flowering hall. In row 1: “Zeit im Bild 2” with Armin Wolf and editor spokesperson Dieter Bornemann. It’s about the future of ORF.
Hans-Peter Doskozil and the state government of Burgenland had filed an application for violating the security of the independence of the multi-billion dollar company, which is mainly financed by taxpayers. It should be mentioned that previously a Doskozil candidate had not ended up on the seat of the state director of the ORF.
Judge surprised by ‘circles of friends’
The hearing lasted two hours, during which the judges asked probing questions. The independence of the ORF is not guaranteed, argued lawyer Florian Philapitsch from Burgenland. He referred to the excessive number of partisans in the foundation and the public council, as well as the influence of those in power at the federal and state levels. This is contrary to constitutional law and the requirements of the European Court of Human Rights.
Important factors were the infamous ‘side letters’, in which parties traditionally and absurdly decide on leadership positions – and the ‘circles of friends’, in which foundation boards make decisions in advance. Judge Georg Lienbacher was also annoyed that decisions could be read out in advance in the media. Government representative Michael Kogler said that circles of friends made coordination in advance easier. And in general, he noted that the ORF committees were designed not only to be highly pluralistic, but also to represent the general public. There is no question of unconstitutionality.
The judges of the Constitutional Court will discuss this from now on. President Christoph Grabenwarter: “The decision will be made in writing or verbally.” No one can say yet when that will be. One thing is certain: the ORF continues to provide exciting entertainment beyond the Küniglberg.
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.
