Exercise for ex-Chancellor short: an end to the Ibiza affair?

Exercise for ex-Chancellor short: an end to the Ibiza affair?

Austria's ex-Chancellor Sebastian Kurz was acquitted by the Vienna Higher Regional Court. The allegation was on the false statement in the context of the Ibiza investigation committee, which dealt with his role in ordering supervisory boards for the State Holding ÖBAG. The court thus raised an earlier conviction that had been sentenced to eight months in prison for probation. The decision was made on May 26, 2025, and for a short time it means relief and the possibility of returning to the political arena.

The Higher Regional Court found that short ’answers were not to be regarded as wrong. The first instance had found that he both played down his influence and obviously did not appear to have stated that they have been completely and finally testified. In his closing word, briefly emphasized that he found the previous decision to be incomprehensible. He also admitted not to have sufficiently prepared for the four -hour survey. His goal was always to "under no circumstances to say something wrong".

the appeal process and the role of his lawyer

The appeal process before the Higher Regional Court was undoubtedly a crucial moment for short. His lawyer had pointed out defects in the survey by the parliamentary body during the procedure. He particularly criticized the fact that briefly was interrupted in a decisive question and was therefore unable to fully present his statements. This had led to confusion and inconsistencies in the process, which ultimately led to the request of an acquittal for the ex-chancellor.

The crucial question that raises this debate is that the transparency and the rule of law in Austria. The Kreutner report addresses this problem in the context of the "Ibiza affair". Political corruption is a problem of Europe, and Austria has serious institutional weaknesses, especially in the judicial system. The political discussion about these topics has intensified, but there are no direct initiatives to implement recommendations to improve the judiciary.

Reforms of the judiciary and outlook

The Kreutner report suggests that it is urgently necessary to ensure the independence of the judiciary and to carry out reforms to separate the judiciary and politics. Political instructions in the Ministry of Justice influence the charges, which reinforces transparency problems. The upcoming parliamentary election date on September 29, 2024 is important because it could address the prospects for reforms for corruption and maintaining the rule of law in Austria.