Ex-Mayor Luger is on trial for breach of trust: trial in December!

Ex-Mayor Luger is on trial for breach of trust: trial in December!

The former mayor of Linz, Klaus Luger (SPÖ), is facing a legal dispute. Next December he will have to answer for infidelity 5min.at reported. The charges come in the context of the Brucknerhaus affair, a scandal that has plagued the city in recent years. The proceedings will open on December 12, 2025 at the Linz Regional Court.

At the center of the allegations is a legal report that Luger commissioned to make recommendations after a hearing scandal. However, it was revealed that he withheld important information from the reviewers. Specifically, Luger had sent the interviews and questions to the future director of the Brucknerhaus, Kerschbaum, in advance. This raises the question of whether this caused financial damage to the Linz event company LIVA.

The investigations

The Linz public prosecutor's office is currently examining whether Luger's actions caused LIVA any financial disadvantage. The public prosecutor's office originally wanted to stop the proceedings, but the Ministry of Justice intervened and demanded that the investigation be continued. Other parts of the investigation, such as the documents passed on and the costs of a crisis PR consultant, have already been discontinued.

The accusation of infidelity could have serious consequences for Luger, as the possible penalty range is up to three years in prison. In the event of a conviction, he would also have to pay the costs of the legal opinion of around 19,000 euros as well as the legal costs. Luger's lawyer, René Haumer, confirmed the criminal complaint and emphasized that the report contained "predominantly valuable statements" for LIVA. Nevertheless, Luger sees his actions as a mistake, but denies their criminal relevance.

Context of the corruption debate

The Brucknerhaus affair and the associated allegations cast a shadow on the political climate in Linz and beyond. In recent years, the issue of corruption has become increasingly public in Austria and Germany, particularly in areas such as waste incineration and large-scale construction projects. As in esv-elibrary.de described, not only officials, but also managers and employees have come into focus.

The approach to corruption and breach of trust continues to be covered in printed works that draw attention to the criminal law context and procedures. The challenges and prevention measures against corruption are examined in depth, showing the importance of protecting yourself as a public figure from such allegations.

While the city of Linz waits for the court hearing in December, it remains to be seen what consequences the trial will have for Klaus Luger and the Linz event company.