Sebastian Kurz: acquittal, but the investigation continues!

Sebastian Kurz: acquittal, but the investigation continues!

Wien, Österreich - ex-Chancellor Sebastian Kurz was recently acquitted of the allegations of the false statement. As Krone reports, however, the investigation against him remains active. Since 2021, the Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office (WKStA) has been examining the survey Causa, in which briefly suspicion of infidelity and bribery. The indictment could be completed in the summer of 2026 at the earliest, while the immense act of 160,000 pages.

The investigation could take years, because a process start is expected at the earliest for 2027. An important witness in this matter is Thomas Schmid, the former general secretary in the Ministry of Finance and a close confidante of Kurz. Schmid received the status of a key witness, as did the opinion researcher Sabine BeinSchab.

The background of the investigation

A central aspect of the investigation is short 'possible false statement during the Ibiza investigation committee in June 2020. At that time he had to comment on his role in the order of Thomas Schmid as head of the Staatholding ÖBAG. The WKSTA has found that the truth may have briefly twisted, which includes the charges of over 100 pages, such as profile. The allegations could briefly contribute up to three years in prison should it turn out that he actually made false statements.

The indictment of shortly comes after more than two years of investigation, which was made more difficult by the fact that shortly during this time was Chancellor. In addition, Kurz's statement was interpreted by the investigators as potentially incorrectly, since chats between him and Schmid raise contradictions. The WKStA also briefly focused on Bernhard Bonelli and the former casinos Austria manager Bettina Glatz-Kremsner, who are also in court.

Current situation and possible consequences

Despite the acquittal regarding the false statement, the situation remains tense. The procedures that run against him also have an impact on other investigations, including the advertisement affair, in which briefly accused of placing paid surveys and advertisements with tax money. As lto reports briefly in his defense and vehemently denies all allegations. In public, there is already speculation about a possible return of the former Chancellor to politics, although he has been rejecting this so far.

The lawyers of Kurz and the ÖVP, which bears the legal fees, are still obliged to invalidate the allegations. The entire environment remains tense, while the WKStA will continue to determine and the public is waiting for the next steps in this complex case.