FPÖ pushes for U-committee: Secrets about Pilnacek and Corona demos!

FPÖ pushes for U-committee: Secrets about Pilnacek and Corona demos!

In a current political event, the National Council's Rules of Procedure Committee began discussions on the FPÖ's U-Committee request on June 17, 2025. The topic is the “ÖVP abuse of power investigation committee”, which is supposed to deal with the death of the former top official Christian Pilnacek and the handling of the Corona demonstrations. FPÖ MP Norbert Nemeth is confident that the U-Committee will comply with legal requirements, while his ÖVP colleague Wolfgang Gerstl doubts this. However, a decision on whether to proceed was postponed unanimously at Gerstl's request.

A decision on the U-Committee is expected to be made in July, around the next plenary week. The subject of the investigation must concern a “certain completed process in the area of ​​federal enforcement,” which means that the FPÖ needs at least a quarter of the MPs to set up the committee. This step would be a parliamentary minority right, which is a given.

FPÖ demands comprehensive clarification

FPÖ General Secretary Christian Hafenecker has already called for a committee of inquiry to be convened into the ÖVP's alleged abuse of power in the Interior Ministry. The central point of the application is the mysterious cause of Pilnacek's death and the use of his digital devices. Hafenecker expresses concerns that the police and the judiciary have been misused as “extended government propaganda”. He also criticizes the intimidation of critical citizens and the influence on independent experts.

Hafenecker points to SLAPP lawsuits (strategic lawsuits against public participation) and emphasizes that the media system has been put under pressure by an excess of government advertisements. He calls for clear clarification about the political responsibility with regard to the black-green government and the role of the secret services and the Federal Criminal Police Office.

Investigations and legal framework

The legal framework for committees of inquiry is clearly regulated. All federal bodies, such as federal ministries or the Court of Auditors, are obliged to provide information at the request of a U-committee. This also applies to state and local authorities. Although the committee can summon and question those providing information, it cannot carry out any measures to secure evidence such as house searches.

If people refuse to appear as respondents, they can be cited. The Federal Administrative Court has the power to impose compulsory penalties. A great responsibility lies with the President of the National Council, who is responsible for publishing information of public interest.

The establishment of the investigative committee could help shed light on the background surrounding Pilnacek's death and the comprehensive handling of the corona pandemic. The FPÖ wants to restore citizens' trust in the state and the executive after the Pilnacek case greatly polarized public perception.

How the situation will develop further remains to be seen. The next meeting of the National Council will take place shortly, with the decision on the U-Committee on the agenda.