Viennese ÖVP Mandate Gerstl Allegedly Broke Official Secret

The Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office wants to investigate ÖVP constitutional spokesperson Wolfgang Gerstl. According to the "Kronen Zeitung," a corresponding extradition request was made to the National Council. The member of parliament is suspected of having breached official secrecy as a member of the district election authority in the run-up to the Vienna election.

Gerstl allegedly contacted voters

Gerstl is said to have unlawfully contacted voters a few weeks before the district council election on April 27, 2025, who had submitted declarations of support for the Fair list. He received the contact details as a member of the election authority for the 14th district, where the Fair list was running.

According to the public prosecutor's office, Gerstl contacted five people and accused them of supporting a list other than the ÖVP. He even advised one person to sign a document stating that the support for the Fair list was not given with full knowledge of all the facts. Additionally, he passed on the name and data of at least one person to a party colleague.

Immunity as an obstacle

The public prosecutor's office sees Gerstl's actions as endangering both the candidacy of the Fair list and the right of the signatories to free political activity. Several factual representations have been submitted against the National Council member.

Due to his parliamentary immunity, Gerstl must first be extradited so that investigations can be initiated.

"Clear Conscience": Gerstl Shows Cooperation

To the "Krone", Gerstl said: "This is about clarifying a matter that led to the candidacy of a list split from the ÖVP in the district council election Penzing 2025. I am, of course, interested in a comprehensive clarification of the matter and assure the public prosecutor of my full cooperation." He has a clear conscience and is confident that any allegations can be quickly clarified.

FPÖ Demanded Immediate Extradition

The Freedom Party demanded the immediate extradition of Gerstl and a complete clarification. FPÖ General Secretary Christian Hafenecker identified a "further farce in the ÖVP system" that shakes confidence in domestic politics. "Hardly a week goes by without a new scandal of the black octopus," said Hafenecker. That "of all people" the black constitutional spokesperson is suspected of having breached official secrecy and pressured voters shows an "unbelievable moral picture." An official in an election authority bears special responsibility. Using this position to harass citizens and attempt to have them retract their declaration of support is an "absolute no-go," argued Hafenecker.

(APA/Red)

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