Austrian ex-parliamentary leader convicted in political appointment scandal
A Vienna court has convicted former ÖVP parliamentary leader August Wöginger of abuse of office. The case centred on allegations that he helped secure a top tax office job for a local mayor. Two co-defendants, both civil servants, were also found guilty in the same trial.
Prosecutors claimed Wöginger, along with former ÖVP general secretary Thomas Schmid, pushed for the appointment of an ÖVP-affiliated mayor to head Braunau’s tax office. The presiding judge ruled that the decision was driven by partisan political motives rather than merit. The court dismissed Wöginger’s argument that the mayor’s request was simply a ‘citizen’s concern’.
The two civil servants, Siegfried M. and Herbert B., received seven-month suspended sentences after being found guilty of perjury. Wöginger himself was handed a seven-month suspended prison term and a €43,200 fine. All three had faced potential prison sentences of up to five years. Following the verdict, Wöginger announced his resignation as ÖVP parliamentary group leader. He later stated he would appeal the decision, expressing confidence in overturning the ruling. The verdicts remain subject to appeal, meaning the case is not yet legally finalised.
The ruling marks a significant development in a case that has drawn attention to political influence in public appointments. Wöginger’s conviction and subsequent resignation alter the ÖVP’s leadership structure. The final outcome will depend on the appeals process.
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