During the Corona pandemic, the state of Vorarlberg apparently subsidized the Hotel Aurelio, then owned by the controversial Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, with gastronomy and tourism subsidies. According to research by ORF Vorarlberg, approximately 37,000 euros went to the accommodation provider in Lech am Arlberg.
The country announced in June 2020 that it would provide 15 million euros to help the industry suffering from the pandemic. The oligarch’s hotel, which was placed on the EU sanctions list after the Russian attack on Ukraine, also received money through this channel. Because the financing was dependent on turnover, the amount for the hotel, which has now changed hands, indicates a turnover of 610,918 euros between March and May 2019. Companies could receive a maximum of 50,000 euros.
The state said it could neither confirm nor deny that the company was an applicant for funding. However, it should be noted that the country is “bound by the principle of objectivity derived from the principle of equality.” What I mean is: if a company meets the applicable financing guidelines, then the grant will be awarded.
Criticism of the Neos
The state of Vorarlberg has so far refused to name the recipients of the Corona funding; an anonymized payout list has been published. Much to the chagrin of the Neos, who have been demanding disclosure for years: “Taxpayer money is not the property of the ÖVP. It must be used decently and transparently,” said State President Claudia Gamon.
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.
