After Diversion for Wöginger: This is What the Coalition Says

Both Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) and Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) refrained from criticizing Wöginger. Meinl-Reisinger did not comment on the court's decision but emphasized that the judiciary had sent a clear signal with the investigations. It is not a trivial offense. According to the coalition agreement, the government aims for a new style with transparent appointments.

For the coalition, the Wöginger case is settled after diversion

For Marterbauer, "it is relevant that this was about the appointment of a tax office." Therefore, they now want to "do everything possible" to ensure that appointment commissions must proceed transparently and objectively in the future. ÖVP State Secretary for Finance Barbara Eibinger-Miedl reiterated that Wöginger had taken responsibility and accepted the diversion that was offered to him. "With that, the matter is concluded."

Criticism from anti-corruption experts on diversion for Wöginger

Criticism of the diversion came on Wednesday from anti-corruption expert Martin Kreutner. Despite clear evidence, the job trading was dismissed as a minor offense. Kreutner warned on the Ö1 "Morgenjournal" of a potential loss of trust in state institutions as a result.

Diversion for Wöginger in "Post Allocation" Trial

Wöginger had to answer in court for "post allocation" because he allegedly intervened with the former Secretary General in the Ministry of Finance, Thomas Schmid, on behalf of a party friend and ensured that this friend became the head of the tax office for Braunau, Ried, and Schärding. A better-qualified competitor did not get the position. Now, the ÖVP parliamentary group leader must pay a fine of 44,000 euros. Additionally, he must transfer the symbolic amount of 500 euros to the disadvantaged applicant.

Criticism from Opposition after Diversion for Wöginger

FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl did not directly refer to the diversion on Wednesday, but stated via social media: "The government governs against its own population - and calls it 'responsibility'. The judiciary makes decisions that are incomprehensible to the people - and calls it 'justice'." And the so-called "Fourth Estate" is entangled with the powerful. This leads to a division in society, according to Kickl: "Self-proclaimed elites against the interests of the sovereign."

Green parliamentary group leader Sigrid Maurer identifies a "loss of trust in politics caused by the ÖVP" that goes far beyond legal issues. One must not simply return to business as usual, as a diversion is not an acquittal. "Particularly deafening in this case is the silence of the NEOS, who otherwise like to champion transparency and anti-corruption," Maurer finds.

(APA/Red)

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