ÖVP boss Karl Mahrer under pressure: resignation or scandal?

ÖVP boss Karl Mahrer under pressure: resignation or scandal?

Wien, Österreich - The Vienna election means a bitter defeat for the Viennese ÖVP boss Karl Mahrer. In the ORF top candidate round, Mahrer admitted that the People's Party had lost massive voices, which, according to him, was not surprising. The FPÖ, on the other hand, would have gained gains again after a strong loss in the 2020 election. Mahrer also emphasized that the degree of counting of the votes is still very low and announced party bodies that should decide on his future in the coming days. Wolfgang Rosam, a VP-close consultant and PR professional, criticized Mahrer sharply and called for his resignation on X. He described the current situation as the "first degree shame" and advocated a new leadership style within the Vienna People's Party in order to protect the chances of a government participation. OE24 reports that…

The challenges for Mahrer are not only political in nature. He also sees legal difficulties. The Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office (WKStA) has raised a comprehensive charge against him. In a 321-page indictment, Mahrer is accused of infidelity, since in 2017 he is said to have influenced an oral contract between the renovation board of the Wienwert group and a PR agency that is owned by his wife. A total of 84,000 euros flowed to this agency without any valuable consideration. Mahrer and his wife decisively reject the allegations, the ÖVP boss excludes his resignation despite the serious accusations. The press reports on…

political climate in Austria

The processes around Mahrer come at a time when the trust of citizens in the politicians have dropped significantly overall. According to a long -term study by Peter Hajek and Peter Ulram, 64 % of the respondents already believe that politicians are corrupt and bribed - a significant increase compared to earlier decades. In the 1980s it was only 38 %. In addition, 66 % of the citizens show that they believe that politicians were not honest for their voters. This development reflects a deep -seated skepticism, which is also sharpened by the perception of corruption and abuse of power in politics. The press refers to these developments and surveys…

in a political environment in which well over half of the population disappears their faith for politicians, Mahrer's resignation and the rapid acceptance of the support for the ÖVP in Vienna could have further negative effects on the political landscape. The demands for more transparency and a stronger obligation towards the voters become louder in order to regain the lost trust.