OLG Vienna negotiates controversial judgments against Kurz and Bonelli!

OLG Vienna negotiates controversial judgments against Kurz and Bonelli!

On May 25, 2025, the Higher Regional Court (OLG) Vienna negotiated the appeals of Sebastian Kurz and Bernhard Bonelli against their debt. Kurz, former Chancellor of the ÖVP, was sentenced to eight months of imprisonment in February 2024 for false statements in the Ibiza investigation committee. His former cabinet chief Bonelli received a judgment of six months. Both have appealed against the decisions that are now being treated by the OLG on this day.

In the case of Kurz, he is accused of having reduced his role in ordering the Supervisory Board of State Holding ÖBAG. It is believed that he has gave the impression that they have had nothing to do with these processes. The Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office (WKStA) accepted the first instance judgments and adheres to the allegations, while briefly denied that they have deliberately misrepresented the U-Committee.

Details on the procedures

The appeals were sent to the OLG on November 21, and a decision could have far -reaching consequences for the political careers of the two men. While in the case of briefly there was an acquittal regarding the occupation of the ÖBAG board position with Thomas Schmid, the situation for Bonelli is more complicated. As reported orf.at, Bonelli was also condemned and has appealed.

The recent events are part of a larger scandal that was triggered by the so-called "Ibiza video". This led to investigations that show suspicions of election manipulation and the abuse of state funds. The ÖVP advertisement affair, which has been examined since 2021, also raises questions about the use of tax money for media placements. Under the pressure of the investigation, some participants, such as the former Secretary General in the Ministry of Finance, Thomas Schmid, received and burdened Kurz and others in their interrogations.

corruption in the political system

The problems related to corruption are deeply rooted in Austria and were recently treated in a public discussion whether they should be regarded as a fixed part of the system or as a leaking model. The modernized approaches to combat corruption in Austria are at the center of the debates, especially according to convictions such as that of the former finance minister Karl-Heinz Grasser, which was sentenced to four years in prison in Buwog Causa, which is considered one of the largest corruption proceedings in the second republic. The advertisement affair is currently being observed by the WKStA.

The EU Commission criticizes the close link between politics and justice in Austria. In a discussion round that was broadcast on Joyn and Puls 4 on March 26, 2025, these issues were dealt with and the need for a federal prosecutor to improve the situation. The independence of the judiciary was discussed with guests like Peter Pilz and Nina Tomaselli.

The negotiations and the ongoing scandals not only represent a challenge for the politicians concerned, but also also highlight the integrity and transparency of the political system in Austria.