The party has had enough

A bombshell in the ÖVP! It’s time for a shake-up

The ÖVP has had enough: Walter Ruck is being expelled from the party, as the “Krone” has learned.(Bild: Reinhard Holl)

Apparently, even the ÖVP has had enough: After the leaked transcripts brought the unsavory system surrounding Vienna Chamber of Commerce boss Walter Ruck into the public eye, ÖVP leader and Chancellor Christian Stocker appears to be taking the first steps to address the situation on Friday. 

As reported by the “Krone,” Stocker had already demanded an investigation and consequences shortly after the allegations against Walter Ruck came to light.

The Chamber of Commerce chief himself had not yet commented publicly on the allegations; within the Chamber of Commerce itself, he had been given the cold shoulder. A spokesperson for Ruck referred to “unverifiable and potentially illegally obtained audio recordings.” Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) had also been notably cautious regarding the allegations against Ruck—a stance that immediately drew criticism from his federal party chairman, Andreas Babler. 

Within the People’s Party—particularly in the Chancellor’s Office—however, they now appear to be taking decisive action. As the “Krone” has learned, Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker will convene a virtual meeting of the ÖVP Federal Party Executive Committee for Friday evening. There, the allegations against Walter Ruck will be discussed, “and the appropriate conclusions drawn,” as a telling statement to the “Krone” put it.