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The Sunday Times: Sebastian Kurz, former Chancellor of Austria, faces a trial that could make him the first post-war Austrian leader to receive a possible prison sentence. Kurz is accused of giving false evidence to a parliamentary committee regarding the promotion of a close associate, Thomas Schmid, to a top position. Schmid later stepped down and has turned on Kurz, applying to become a state witness in a possible second trial. Kurz denies the charges and is eager to clear his name. The trial could either spell the end of his political career or pave the way for a comeback.
The trial is part of a broader investigation into Austrian politics, initially triggered by a scandal known as “Ibizagate” that led to the collapse of Kurz’s first government. While Kurz and his Austrian People’s Party were not implicated in that scandal, they became the focus of scrutiny regarding other matters.
Kurz, who has reinvented himself as an international businessman and consultant, says he sees his future in business, particularly in cybersecurity. Nonetheless, speculation about a possible political return continues, partly fueled by newly registered domain names containing Kurz’s name and “2024.”
The entire article can be read at the link https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/trial-goodnight-vienna-austria-sebastian-kurz-scandal-political-comeback-65x60zv6h
