“Underhanded Tactics”

Coalition dispute over Loacker’s EU post escalates

Even before former lawmaker Loacker—who is widely considered qualified for the post—can navigate the formal EU procedures, a political dispute has erupted over him in domestic politics.(Bild: APA/HELMUT FOHRINGER)

The nomination of former NEOS MP Gerald Loacker to the European Court of Auditors is causing a political stir in Vienna—not so much because of the appointment itself, but because of the heated exchanges it has sparked. The ÖVP, a coalition partner, voiced criticism of the selection—now the NEOS are firing back.

As expected, the federal government nominated Loacker on Wednesday as Austria’s member to the ECA in Luxembourg. He succeeds Helga Berger, whose bid for reappointment was unsuccessful. Originally, Helmut Berger, the long-time head of the parliamentary budget office, had been the top candidate, but he withdrew for health reasons.

NEOS Insists on a Transparent Process
For NEOS, the process is clearly regulated and transparent. Secretary-General Douglas Hoyos emphasized that the entire process had been “carried out so transparently in a government for the first time.” All candidates were merely forwarded by an ÖVP-led ministry as formally qualified and subsequently assessed in a hearing conducted with external oversight.

Helmut Berger was ranked first in this process, with Loacker initially behind him—it was only after Loacker’s withdrawal that he moved up.

Even before former MP Loacker—who is certainly considered competent for the post—has a chance to navigate the formal EU procedures, a political dispute over him has erupted at home.(Bild: APA/HELMUT FOHRINGER)

Loacker is set to move into these buildings of the EU Court of Auditors soon—instead of scrutinizing Austrian expenditures, he will then examine those of the EU.(Bild: European Union, 1998 – 2025)

ÖVP counters: “Hoyos is twisting the facts”
The ÖVP firmly rejects this account. Secretary-General Nico Marchetti accused NEOS representative Hoyos of “twisting the facts.” The documents that were forwarded were merely a list of all formally qualified candidates—without any ranking or evaluation. The selection process was “entirely within the purview of NEOS,” according to Marchetti.

He also sharply criticized NEOS for its political stance: While the party loudly criticized other parties’ appointments, the Loacker case remained conspicuously ignored. “Only when it comes to the long-serving MP from their own ranks does the otherwise loud criticism remain surprisingly quiet,” he alleged.

NEOS Calls It a “Smear Campaign”
NEOS dismisses the criticism as “dirty tricks” and “smear campaign rhetoric.” Hoyos reiterated that a structured, externally monitored hearing had taken place and that the original ranking had been clear. The subsequent switch to Loacker was triggered exclusively by the health-related withdrawal of the top-ranked candidate.

Escalating Tensions – Dispute Over Political Credibility
The fundamental political assessment is also becoming increasingly sharp between the parties. Marchetti spoke of double standards on the part of NEOS and announced that they would continue to critically monitor the party’s handling of its own nominations. It is not about the right to nominate itself, but rather the “manner” in which it is exercised.

Criticism from the opposition also persists
Regardless of the coalition dispute, the FPÖ and the Greens are also voicing criticism regarding transparency and procedures. This puts NEOS in particular in a difficult position, as they themselves had repeatedly demanded strict objectivity in public appointments.

Loacker “highly qualified”
In the minutes of the Council of Ministers, Loacker is described as “highly qualified.” The 52-year-old from Vorarlberg, formerly the NEOS’s social affairs spokesperson in the National Council, now works as a management consultant.

Before Loacker can take up his new post at the European Court of Auditors, several steps remain: approval by the National Council, the European Parliament, and final consent in the plenary session. He is currently expected to take office in early October, with his term running until 2032.