Brutal attack on Vösendorf's mayor: who is behind it?

Brutal attack on Vösendorf's mayor: who is behind it?

A serious incident occurred in Vösendorf when mayor Hannes Koza (ÖVP) was brutally attacked by an unknown person on Tuesday evening. Koza reported that he was hit in the face and threatened with death in the castle park. “The attacker said I wouldn’t survive tomorrow’s local council meeting,” he told the Kronen Zeitung. Despite the shock and physical trauma of a black eye, Koza remains optimistic and determined to continue doing his work for the community (as reported by krone.at).

Reactions and support

The police have confirmed the incident and Koza is filing a report. He had his face x-rayed at the hospital to check for possible injuries. There is great sympathy among the population, but also among political colleagues. “Many people have come forward, and Chancellor Karl Nehammer has also pledged his support,” said Koza. Nevertheless, the opposition remains unmoved, which particularly regrets the mayor. “I really didn't think it would come to this, it's just sad,” he said.

Koza is under pressure after a year marked by political strife and a clear election victory in May. The investigations against him, which led to allegations of breach of trust and abuse of office, were closed. From his point of view, this could represent the motive behind the attack, even if he himself does not know exactly where the aggression comes from (as orf.at reported). “My family is in shock, especially my 14-year-old daughter is afraid for her father,” Koza continued. Nevertheless, the mayor emphasizes that he wants to continue to seek dialogue with the opposition.