FPÖ starts U-Committee: Abuse of power of the ÖVP under the magnifying glass!

FPÖ starts U-Committee: Abuse of power of the ÖVP under the magnifying glass!

Österreich - The FPÖ announced its plans for a new parliamentary committee of inquiry against the ÖVP on May 20, 2025. The focus of the "ÖVP-Machususe examination committee" focuses on the alleged abuse of power, the death of Christian Pilnacek and the dealings of governments with critics during the Corona period. The application is to be introduced on May 21 in a special meeting of the National Council, as 5min.

A central demand from the FPÖ concerns the examination of political influence on investigative authorities. Particular attention is paid to the intimidation of government critics as well as possible interventions in the Ministry of the Interior and Justice as well as in the Federal Chancellery. In addition, connections between the investigation into the death of ex-section chief Christian Pilnacek and the measures against critics during the corona pandemic are to be examined.

Goals of the committee of inquiry

The committee is intended to review the intimidation of critics and to investigate the suspicion that ÖVP representatives have influenced the Interior and Justice Ministry as well as in the Chancellery in an impact or motivated. The examination period extends from January 7, 2020 to May 20, 2023. The FPÖ sees itself in the position of applying for the U-Committee on its own, and is certain that all constitutional requirements for this are met. This is also underpaid

One of the main issues aims at Christian Pilnacek's cause of death and includes procedures of the Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office (WKStA). The FPÖ has the suspicion of abuse of office, possible removal of evidence and falsification of results of the investigation. Further topics concern government criticism during the Corona measures, in particular the influence on the assembly system and the security police.

preparation and first steps

The management of the committee will take over FPÖ general secretary Christian Hafenecker. National Council President Walter Rosenkranz is expected to play a central role as chairman of the committee. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and Chancellor Christian Stocker are among the first information persons. An urgent inquiry entitled "ÖVP abuse: state or party-what is the top priority for you, Mr. Chancellor?" is also being planned. It remains unclear whether the Chancellor will answer himself or by State Secretary Alexander Pröll, such as 5min.

As part of the powers of an investigation committee, he can request files and documents, question witnesses and have the obligation to provide information. In the transmission of information, all organs of the federal government, the federal states and municipalities are obliged to cooperate. These procedures and the legal framework illustrate the importance of political control and transparency, which is essential in the intrigue area of ​​the political landscape, as [parlament.gv.at] (https://www.parlament.gv.at/ver standing/copolitical--konrolle/schandlungschuessesse) explains.