May 4, 2026, 5:04 p.mMay 4, 2026, 5:04 p.m
The parliamentary group leader of the conservative Austrian Chancellor’s Party, August Wöginger, has announced his resignation following his conviction for abuse of office.
ÖVP parliamentary group leader August Wöginger.Image: IMAGO / photonews.at
The Linz regional court imposed a seven-month suspended sentence and a fine of 43,200 euros on the ÖVP politician, as the Austrian news agency APA reported. Accordingly, Wöginger wants to step down as group leader, but remains a member of parliament.
He was accused of having intervened on behalf of an ÖVP mayor so that he could take over the management of a tax office in the state of Upper Austria. According to the economic and corruption prosecutor’s office, the mayor was ranked first despite being less qualified.
The faction leader sees himself as innocent
Wöginger continues to protest his innocence. He announced an appeal against the judgment, which was not yet final. In an earlier phase of the proceedings, the politician got away with a fine but no criminal conviction.
However, this so-called diversion was overturned by the Linz Higher Regional Court. Therefore the process had to be continued. (hkl/sda/dpa)