In front of the U-Committee, FPÖ party leader Herbert Kickl is said to have repeatedly told the truth, the ÖVP claims. She filed a complaint in July for making false statements. The WKStA has now submitted a request to Walter Rosenkranz’s office to revoke Kickl’s immunity. The responsible committee could discuss this as early as next week.
The ÖVP’s statement of the facts, which was sent to the Economic and Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (WKStA) in July on behalf of MP Andreas Hanger, contains 19 pages. It is available to the “press” and accuses the FPÖ party leader of making multiple false statements in the U-committee. As “Profile” reported on Thursday, there is a request for extradition in the office of the President of the National Council Walter Rosenkranz (FPÖ) due to the allegations of the ÖVP and the complaint.
In the relevant U-committee, which dealt with “abuse of red-blue power” in the spring, Kickl was questioned in April about the former advertising agency “Ideenschmiede”, now called Signs GmbH, among other things. Kickl said at the time that he had “no involvement” or “anything to do” with this. From the point of view of the ÖVP, this is a false statement.
A think tank and Jennewein won’t let Kickl go
The case dates back to 2013. It concerns the suspicion of illegal party funding in connection with the advertising agency Kulturen in Klagenfurt at the time. The allegation: For years, in return for contracts from the public sector, especially from the then blue-state of Carinthia, illegal kickback payments of 20 percent were made to the FPÖ. Kickl, who was still employed as Jörg Haider’s speechwriter at the time, was half owner of this agency through a trustee from 2005 onwards. In addition to Haider, she also looked after Heinz-Christian Strache.
Kickl told the U-Committee that he had “no relationship whatsoever” with the agency. From the point of view of the ÖVP and the complaint submitted, this is not true.
Kickl was also questioned in the U-Committee about Hans-Jörg Jenewein, who has since returned to the parliamentary club as an employee and is currently sitting in the dock next to Egisto Ott. Kickl said Jenewein had “no relationship whatsoever” with the interior department or her as the highest body. This is also wrong in the eyes of the ÖVP. The background is the investigation of Jenewein and the current indictment, which accuses him of passing classified information to the interior department during his time about Kickl.
In order for the WKStA to investigate a parliamentarian, his immunity must first be removed. Hanger’s statement of facts ”establishes the prima facie suspicion of a criminal offence”. The WKStA wants to investigate the chairman of the FPÖ on suspicion of providing false evidence. The corresponding application should have been received on 6 November. A spokesman for Rosenkranz confirmed that this request had been submitted when asked by the ”Presse”.
The committee could discuss it as early as next week
National Council President Rosenkranz must now assign the case to the National Council’s Immunity Committee, which will then prepare a report for the National Council. This must then decide on extradition. In the legislative period that has just begun, the new committee was established on October 24, after the first plenary session. As before, SPÖ justice spokesperson Selma Yildirim is in the chair. She told the “press” on Thursday evening that she was already in talks with the other factions to find a date to deal with the request.
The Immunity Committee usually meets on plenary days. The next one will take place next Wednesday. Due to its proximity, however, the December plenary session is most likely to have a date.
What are the allegations against Herbert Kickl regarding illegal party financing?
Time.news Interview: Unpacking the Controversy Surrounding Herbert Kickl
Editor: Good afternoon, listeners! Today, we have a special guest joining us to discuss the ongoing political controversy surrounding Herbert Kickl, the leader of Austria’s Freedom Party (FPÖ), and recent accusations against him. Our guest is Dr. Marcus Klein, a political analyst and expert on Austrian politics. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Klein!
Dr. Klein: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. Recently, the ÖVP party filed a complaint against Kickl, alleging that he made false statements during his testimony in front of the U-Committee. Can you give us some context around these accusations?
Dr. Klein: Certainly. The allegations stem from statements Kickl made regarding his involvement—and that of his former advertising agency—with illegal party financing. The ÖVP claims that Kickl provided misleading information during his questioning, specifically denying any relationship with the agency in question, which was involved in various public sector contracts.
Editor: The ÖVP’s complaint is quite detailed, spanning 19 pages. What are the main points they’re raising against Kickl?
Dr. Klein: The complaint, initiated by MP Andreas Hanger, outlines a history of alleged illegal kickbacks linked to the FPÖ arising from contracts awarded by the then-blue-state of Carinthia. The ÖVP alleges that Kickl, who was associated with this agency, provided deceptive testimony about his involvement. They argue that these false statements are not merely misunderstandings but intentional misrepresentations.
Editor: That’s quite a serious accusation. And I understand that the WKStA, the Economic and Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, has taken steps regarding Kickl’s parliamentary immunity. What does that entail?
Dr. Klein: Yes, indeed. The WKStA has requested that the National Council President, Walter Rosenkranz, revoke Kickl’s immunity so that legal proceedings can take their course. This could be discussed as early as next week. If immunity is lifted, it opens the door for more serious investigations and potentially, charges based on the complaint filed by the ÖVP.
Editor: It seems like there are significant ramifications for Kickl if the allegations are proven true. What does this mean for the FPÖ politically?
Dr. Klein: The political landscape for the FPÖ could change dramatically. If Kickl is found to have made false statements, it could undermine his credibility as a leader. Moreover, it may impact voter confidence in the party. The FPÖ has long been under scrutiny for issues related to transparency and integrity, and this situation could either escalate or defuse their ongoing controversies, depending on how it plays out.
Editor: Speaking of public perception, how are Austrian citizens reacting to these developments?
Dr. Klein: Public opinion is quite divided. Supporters of the FPÖ may see this as a politically motivated attack from the ÖVP, while critics argue that this is a long-overdue scrutiny of party practices. Polls show mixed reactions, but transparency and accountability are significant issues for voters, particularly in light of past corruption scandals in Austrian politics.
Editor: Given the backdrop of accusations dating back to 2013 related to illegal financing, what do you think the long-term effects will be on political corruption discussions in Austria?
Dr. Klein: This case serves as a critical reminder of the persistent issues regarding political accountability in Austria. Regardless of the outcome, it will likely reignite discussions around political financing laws and the need for stricter regulations. Citizens demand transparency, and these events underscore the importance of holding political figures accountable, which can lead to broader reform discussions.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Klein, for illuminating this complex situation. It’s clear that the developments surrounding Herbert Kickl will have significant implications for Austrian politics.
Dr. Klein: Absolutely. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic!
Editor: And thank you, listeners, for tuning in. We’ll continue to watch this story unfold and bring you updates. Until next time!