Following the explosive revelations surrounding an audio recording of the deceased Department Head of the Ministry of Justice, Christian Pilnacek, Department Head Alma Zadic (Greens) announced the creation of an investigative committee. Because the question of whether the ÖVP is trying to exert influence still exists…
“Serious accusations are made in the tape recordings distributed in the media,” Zadic said. “This clearly shows that there is a need for a public prosecutor’s office that is independent of politics and led by three independent experts who make decisions together. Because multiple heads – among whom power is divided – are the best protection against successful political influence on the judiciary.”
Role models Vienna Terror and Hypo
In this specific case, a committee must now ensure transparency and clarification. Similar committees were already established after the terrorist attacks in Vienna and at Hypo Alpe Adria.
“They demand that I stop the investigation”
Speaking to Trust in a bar in central Vienna, Pilnacek revealed that pressure had been put on him by the ÖVP. “The real problem is that people ask for things that wouldn’t be possible. They demand that I stop the investigation. I can’t do that, I’m not going to do that,” says Pilnacek – serious accusations against the ÖVP, which strongly denies this.
“I can’t do that, I’m not going to do that,” Pilnacek says in the recordings. The statements are authentic and forensically tested.
Sobotka mentioned by name
Even when the ÖVP’s house was searched, he was asked: “Why don’t you reject it?” He names the ministers, namely Wolfgang Sobotka, former Minister of the Interior, now Chairman of the National Council. “In every conversation, Sobotka says, ‘You failed yourself, you never turned it off.’ That doesn’t work. You live in a constitutional state.”
He, Pilnacek, had no influence on a single procedure. “The ÖVP accused me of this and said: ‘You are letting your prosecutors work against us.’ I’m sure they’ll be happy if I don’t say anything.”
ÖVP rejects the accusations
Both Sobotka and the People’s Party strongly deny the accusations. Even Chancellor Karl Nehammer came to Sobotka’s defense. During the press foyer after the Council of Ministers on Wednesday, Nehammer emphasized: “Sobotka has my confidence!”
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.
