Anonymous letter

New allegations fuel Hallein election campaign

The next political spat in Hallein town hall.(Bild: MARKUS TSCHEPP)

An anonymous letter about grievances at the Wirtschaftshof has alarmed Hallein's city politicians. The ÖVP wants to convene an emergency meeting, the SPÖ identifies a "final dirt bucket".

Is it true or not? None of the leading city politicians in Hallein can say. By Tuesday evening, the letter had reached several e-mail inboxes: it criticizes managers, describes bullying and even talks of alleged post haggling. And even shooting practice with an alleged firearm - pictures were attached.

It is unclear whether the whole thing is genuine and true - especially as the letter was written anonymously. At least Deputy Mayor Katharina Seywald (ÖVP) was "shocked" by the allegations and immediately forwarded them to her political colleagues: "I was perplexed. These accusations need to be looked at closely." She therefore called for an emergency meeting with all parliamentary group chairmen "before the election".

Mayor expresses doubts and has them investigated

SPÖ mayor Alexander Stangassinger has his doubts: "The allegations have surfaced for the first time, and that five days before the election. Very strange." He suspects a "final dirt bucket" and has informed the HR department: "The head of the department will look into it."