In the “Krone” the second voice on the Pilnacek recording speaks about the background and effects of the explosive statements on the ÖVP.
A secret tape recording of July 28 shakes the republic. The former chief bailiff told acquaintances and friends in a chic Italian restaurant in Vienna that he had been pressured by the ÖVP for years to prevent searches and influence proceedings in their favor. The file was sent to the “Krone” shortly after the sudden death of 61-year-old Christian Pilnacek. After thorough investigation, “Krone” and ORF published the explosive content.
Since then, the Chancellor’s party has been in defense mode. An initial suspicion against National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka is being investigated by the Vienna Public Prosecutor’s Office. Pilnacek specifically mentioned him about the supposedly desired “turnaround attempts” that he, Pilnacek, claims never to have carried out. The presumption of innocence applies to Sobotka, against whom a case is still pending for abuse of office.
The ÖVP stands behind Sobotka, the second most important man in the state, and like him denies all accusations.
“The timing of publication was perfect”
On Friday, the entrepreneur who recorded the conversation went on the attack. Another person involved, the German industrialist Wolfgang Rauball, a paternal friend of Pilnacek, speaks to the “Krone” about the background and motives of the publication. A long-planned trap for the FPÖ, suspected by the ÖVP, probably does not correspond to reality.
Wolfgang Rauball about the “Krone”: “I have nothing to do with Austrian politics. I am actually a victim myself, I am also on the tape without knowing it.” Yet the timing of the publication was just right, says the oil millionaire. “I was shocked when ex-chancellor Sebastian Kurz made the statement in court about Pilnacek, who had just passed away. That’s when I decided to get involved in publishing the content.” In plain German he said he “feels sick”.
We were sitting in a restaurant with Pilnacek, when the conversation suddenly turned to politics in Austria. “Normally I don’t participate in it. I live mainly in Canada and Switzerland. I only come to Austria occasionally.” Then people started talking about Sobotka and the ÖVP. “Pilnacek made these accusations often and repeated them again and again.” Pilnacek was very disappointed with the ÖVP. Rauball: “The sticking point was Kurz’s statement. I was shocked. Pilnacek told me that he had spoken with Kurz several times and that he was shocked by his team’s legal strategy.” Kurz’s team also confirms the strategic advice.
Wrong strategy and rising head of justice
“I cannot believe the strategy Kurz’s lawyers are using. That means you lose the process.” Lately it has been blooming like never before. “I was in Berlin and sent him two emails. When I woke up the next day and saw that he hadn’t opened the messages, I knew something must have happened.”
For Rauball, going public was an important matter. “In my opinion it was some kind of national crisis. You have to make it public.”
Not everyone sees it that way. One thing is certain: there is still a lot to tell. The story is far from finished.
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.
