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Scandal around Business Class: Minister under pressure because of travel expenses!
The dispute over the business class flights of the Foreign Minister escalates: FPÖ criticism of high travel expenses and booking declarations.
Scandal around Business Class: Minister under pressure because of travel expenses!
The political disputes about the air travel of the Foreign Minister have flared up again. Current reports show that the minister's travel activity already caused costs of 260,000 euros in 2025, which makes it the leaders among government members. Loud OE24 Flew the minister on three short routes in Business Class, while her employees traveled consistently in Economy Class.
FPÖ general secretary Michael Schledlitz expressed sharp criticism and described the minister's explanations as "advanced". The Foreign Ministry officially justified the bookings with the exposure of the Economy Class, but which Schledlitz doubts. He notes that all other companions of the minister have flown in the economy and therefore calls for a repayment of the tax money.
Criticism of opposition and defense by the Foreign Ministry
The discussion about the travel expenses is also heated up by Beate Meinl-Reisinger, a MEP from NEOS. She also flew in the second quarter with costs of 260,000 euros, which makes her the leading rider on air travel. Loud Today Use both you and Schledlitz the allegations as a political game ball. Schledlitz emphasizes that his party demands clear standards for the output behavior of MPs, while Meinl-Reisinger accuses him of standing against her air travel, although her own expenses are not left behind.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains unimpressed by the criticism and defends the minister with the indication that she basically chooses the economy class, unless it is sold out, which is said to have been the case in past cases, such as return flights from Israel or on the route to Luxembourg. The ministry spokesman emphasizes the principles of economy, practicality and transparency in the travel decisions.
Superordinate context of travel expenses and budgeting
In the larger political framework, it turns out that travel expenses are increasingly under pressure for MPs. In the Bundestag there are loud FR.DE Serious problems with the travel budget. In 2023, over 3 million euros have already been spent, with the budget for individual trips already exhausted. This could cause MPs to finance their business trips from the tractions travel funds in the second half of the year.
The continuing disputes and the expenses shown that the topics of transparency and accountability in the public service are more than ever under Scrutiny. It remains to be seen whether and how those responsible respond to violent criticism. The political disputes between the FPÖ and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are likely to continue to be discussed in public.