Because of the beating video

Mayor resigns immediately after uproar

After the video of Mayor Johann Bauer (ÖVP) going on the rampage became public, he is resigning immediately. On Tuesday, his departure was announced for the end of November.

Following the furor over the video footage, Schrattenberg's mayor Johann Bauer (ÖVP) has announced his immediate resignation.

The local politician had previously announced his departure for the end of November, which drew criticism from the FPÖ. "Someone who displays such scandalous behavior can no longer be mayor for a single day and must resign immediately," said FPÖ General Secretary Michael Schnedlitz on Tuesday.

The clip caused a stir and discussion on social networks. Among other things, the local politician can be seen insulting a resident.

In his letter of resignation, Bauer also renounces his seat on the municipal council - with effect from (today's) Wednesday. 

Bauer had been mayor of the municipality in the Weinviertel region, which has around 850 inhabitants, since 2010. The ÖVP holds 13 of the 15 seats on the municipal council.