Former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has been indicted for false testimony, judicial authorities announced on Friday, August 18, in connection with corruption cases that have shaken the country. He will be tried from October 18.
The one who had experienced a meteoric rise and had become, at the end of 2017, the youngest elected leader on the planet was swept away by these scandals in October 2021. He retired from political life in stride. Mr. Kurz, 36, faces up to three years in prison.
According to a press release from the Austrian anti-corruption prosecutor’s office, the ex-chancellor is accused of having lied in 2020 before a parliamentary committee which was seeking to know if he had intervened in the appointment of a relative, Thomas Schmid, at the head of a public holding company.
His trial is due on October 23.
Another investigation for embezzlement of public funds
On X (ex-Twitter), shortly before the announcement of his indictment, Mr. Kurz said he was “little surprised” by the “imminent” decision of the prosecution “despite thirty exculpatory testimonies”. “The charges are false and we look forward to the truth coming out… in court,” he said, lamenting the media leaks.
As soon as the revelations emerged, he had denied any role. But, in the spring of 2021, SMS exchanges between him and Mr. Schmid had leaked to the press. In a message accompanied by loving emojis, Mr. Kurz wrote: “You have everything you want. To which Mr. Schmid replied, “I’m so happy.” I love my Chancellor. ยป
In another part, Mr. Kurz is suspected of having embezzled public funds to promote his political rise, by commissioning rigged opinion polls and glowing articles, which appeared in influential tabloids. An investigation is still ongoing.