Calls for Resignation

FPÖ politician under pressure after domestic dispute

Bizarre police incident: FPÖ National Council member Harald Thau was injured—by his partner—during a physical altercation with her.(Bild: Krone KREATIV/FPÖ NÖ Jauschowetz Ch.)

Despite a police intervention following a violent altercation with his partner, the FPÖ National Council member from Lower Austria remains silent on the incident. He has also said nothing about the calls for his resignation.

Away from the political arena, Harald Thau caused a stir over the weekend. The FPÖ National Council member and Mödling City Council member got into an argument with his partner on a public street in Vienna at 4 a.m.— as reported by the “Krone.” The altercation escalated.

The woman was unharmed, while the politician sustained injuries to his hands and face. A restraining order prohibiting Thau from approaching or entering certain areas was issued.

Criticism of the Silence
Although both parties withdrew their complaints a few hours later, the incident is now having political repercussions. Silvia Dechsler, the SPÖ mayor of Mödling, criticizes the fact that Thau has not yet commented on the incident: “It gives the impression that he wants to let the matter blow over.”

She herself has been publicly campaigning against violence against women for more than two decades and also served as chair of the Mödling Women’s Advisory Board, which raises public awareness about violence prevention.

I call on Harald Thau to resign from his position as a member of the National Council and from his positions as a municipal councilor and city councilor in Mödling.

Silvia Drechlser, Bürgermeisterin von Mödling

Bild: Doris_SEEBACHER

Called upon to resign
The current chair of the council, Elisabeth Handler, calls on the FPÖ politician to resign in an open letter: “Politicians, in particular, serve as enormous role models.” A restraining order must not be trivialized. Mayor Drechsler also calls for Thau’s resignation. The man in question remains silent.