With videos shot undercover in Ibiza, the uncovering of what is probably the biggest political scandal in recent Austrian history begins in 2019. With a new development, this could now expand. Because a former close comrade-in-arms of ex-Chancellor Kurz unpacked.
One of the closest allies of the former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz is cooperating in the corruption investigations in connection with the Ibiza affair. Thomas Schmid, the former head of the state holding company ÖBAG, approached the Public Prosecutor’s Office for Economic Affairs and Corruption (WKStA) and had testified for a total of fifteen days since June, the authority in Vienna said. He approached with the desire to obtain leniency status. A formal application for this has not yet been made.
The investigations were triggered by a video shot covertly in Ibiza, in which the then right-wing leader of the FPÖ, Heinz-Christian Strache, gave the impression of being for sale. The publication of the recordings led to the rupture of the coalition between the conservative Chancellor Party ÖVP and the FPÖ in 2019.
In the course of the investigation, the corruption investigators are also investigating the suspicion that Schmid, Kurz and others were involved in the manipulation of political opinion polls with the help of taxpayers’ money. The suspects have so far denied these allegations. In addition, investigations into political posts in state-related companies are underway.
According to the public prosecutor’s office, Schmid’s statements have now led to house searches at two companies on suspicion of bribery, corruption and abuse of office. A PR consultant close to the ÖVP confirmed to the Austrian press agency APA that her office had been searched.
The Austrian newspaper “Der Standard” reports on another search at the real estate company Signa Holding. According to the report, Schmid’s statements incriminated former Chancellor Kurz, Signa founder René Benko, National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka and numerous companions from the ÖVP.
According to the report, it is still open whether Schmid will really become a key witness and whether the proceedings against him could thus be discontinued. The prerequisites for this are a remorseful confession and the disclosure of new facts.
