Scandal in Vienna: ÖVP boss Mahrer and his wife accused of infidelity!

Scandal in Vienna: ÖVP boss Mahrer and his wife accused of infidelity!

In a dramatic turning point in Viennese politics, ÖVP Vienna leader Karl Mahrer and his wife Christine are facing possible criminal charges of breach of trust. According to a decree from the Ministry of Justice, which is already in the criminal files, Mahrer is viewed as a contributor to an affair involving the insolvent real estate company Wienwert. The Economic and Corruption Public Prosecutor's Office (WKStA) has been investigating him and several other people for years, including the SPÖ district leader Ernst Nevrivy, reported ORF.

Significant financial scandal in focus

The allegations against Mahrer include, among other things, damaging payments of around 10,000 euros per month that have flowed from Wienwert to his wife's PR agency since the summer of 2017 - with no apparent value in return. A court expert commissioned by the WKStA identified total damage of up to 31 million euros. The allegations made include breach of trust, fraudulent crime, serious fraud and other offenses such as Today reported. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, everyone involved is presumed innocent, and the Vienna ÖVP has held back from commenting for the time being, which is causing concern among party members.

Politically, this scandal could have significant consequences for the ÖVP, which is in the midst of elections and contested government negotiations. Mahrer recently made a personal statement to the press, but not to announce his resignation, but rather to point out the failed government negotiations. The entire situation remains tense and it remains to be seen how the party will respond to the serious allegations.