Drunk Crashed into Oncoming Traffic: ÖVP Mayor Now Resigns

An alcohol-related accident involving the ÖVP mayor of Hof bei Salzburg (Flachgau) on Sunday now also has political consequences. The head of the 3,600-inhabitant community will step down by the end of this week, the Salzburg ÖVP announced in a press release on Monday afternoon. "I deeply regret this incident and am drawing the consequences. I made a mistake and would like to sincerely apologize," Mayor Thomas Ließ stated.

Accident after Drunk Driving: ÖVP Mayor in Salzburg Resigns

"I credit him for drawing the consequences and resigning from his office. There will be a direct mayoral election, and we will agree on a new candidate," district party chairman Josef Schöchl announced. In the 2024 mayoral elections, Ließ received 60.1 percent of the votes, clearly defeating his SPÖ competitor.

The 59-year-old crashed into two oncoming vehicles on Sunday around 5:00 PM. No one was injured in the accident. According to the police, the driver is believed to have fallen asleep at the wheel. He had a blood alcohol level of 1.3 per mille and will be reported. Ließ had repeatedly caused a stir in the past. Despite being in quarantine as a contact-1 person after a COVID-19 infection in the family, he led a municipal council meeting in November 2020.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.