Despite enormous criticism, Sobotka takes over the chairmanship of new U committees

The SPÖ and FPÖ announced a COFAG-U committee on Friday, and the ÖVP wants to immediately set up a committee to investigate ‘red-blue swamps’. Sobotka will chair both, a spokesperson said in response to an APA request.

Another case is still under investigation
In recent committees, Sobotka has been repeatedly criticized by the opposition for his chairmanship – also because he is already under investigation for alleged abuse of office. In addition, there are now new allegations after the release of an audio recording in which the now deceased former section chief Christian Pilnacek spoke about Sobotka’s interventions.

The opposition has therefore repeatedly called for his resignation, and now even members of the Green government are suggesting he should go. But Sobotka remains stubborn: for him, criminal law is the common thread.

Representation “if necessary”
The head of parliament wants to adhere equally strictly to the procedural rules, as laid down therein: “the chairman of the National Council will chair both investigative committees,” according to a written statement from the presidential office. “As before, he will be represented if necessary.” Sobotka already had to do this when he was questioned in the ÖVP’s Corruption Commission.