Sebastian Kurz

The WKStA investigated suspicions that public funds had been used to finance polling politically beneficial to Kurz and obtain favourable coverage in a media outlet, in a set of alleged offences including breach of trust, bribery and active bribery depending on the persons concerned. The 2021 searches contributed to Kurz's resignation as chancellor.

Kurz was prosecuted for false testimony concerning his involvement in appointments linked to ÖBAG. He was convicted at first instance in 2024 on one aspect, but on 26 May 2025 Vienna's higher court definitively acquitted him, finding that the objective elements of the offence had not been satisfied.

Attribution

Accused

Course of the proceedings

1. Formally charged — Formal charge before the current outcome

A confidential side agreement between Kurz's ÖVP and the FPÖ allocated posts and areas of influence, particularly in state-owned enterprises and around the ORF. Its subsequent disclosure prompted criticism over transparency in public appointments.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

In 2018, the Kurz government announced the closure of several mosques and measures against imams in the name of combating political Islam and foreign funding. Administrative closure decisions were subsequently overturned by the competent courts in several cases.

Attribution

Political responsibility

A government-supported public map identifying Muslim organisations and locations drew strong criticism from religious organisations and specialists who saw a risk of stigmatisation, conflation and exposure of individuals or institutions.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

Not applicable

Attribution

Political responsibility

Following the fall of the first Kurz government, data storage devices from the Chancellery were destroyed by an employee using a false name and without immediately paying the invoice. The affair prompted suspicions of possible concealment of data.

State of the evidence

Documented

The controversial search of the BVT under an FPÖ-led Interior Ministry triggered an institutional crisis, criticism concerning international cooperation and a parliamentary inquiry. Kurz, as chancellor, was questioned about his knowledge and political management of the crisis.

State of the evidence

Documented

After the Ibiza affair erupted and the coalition with the FPÖ collapsed, the National Council passed a no-confidence motion against the Kurz government. He became the first post-war Austrian chancellor removed by this mechanism.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

The Kurz government passed a reform allowing working days of up to twelve hours and weeks of up to sixty hours, subject to conditions. Trade unions organised significant protests and denounced an imbalance favouring employers.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

Not applicable

Attribution

Political responsibility

Documents attributed to Kurz's entourage, known as 'Projekt Ballhausplatz', described a strategy prepared before he took control of the ÖVP and stood for chancellor, involving strong centralisation of communications and the party leader's power.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

Not applicable

Attribution

Political responsibility

As foreign minister, Sebastian Kurz cited Australia's offshore processing and refusal to settle boat arrivals as an example Europe could examine. The proposal prompted political and humanitarian criticism.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Kurz supported closing the Balkan migration route and worked with several countries in the region to reduce crossings. Supporters praised the approach as regaining control, while other governments and organisations criticised its humanitarian and European implications.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility