Leaked transcript draws Nevrivy statements into Ruck affair

Statements by Ernst Nevrivy, head of Vienna’s Donaustadt district, have become a focus of the Ruck affair, ORF reports. Nevrivy attended the meeting in Walter Ruck’s wine cellar, where allegedly recorded remarks were later leaked to the media.

The Kurier published alleged statements by Nevrivy about major projects and development initiatives. According to the leaked transcript cited by the newspaper, he also criticised the city’s economic agency as the “most incompetent bunch”.

Kurier reported that Nevrivy has since apologised and expressed regret over his “inappropriate statements”. The Freedom Party said it would seek a special meeting of the Donaustadt district council, where Nevrivy is expected to explain himself.

In a statement sent to the Austrian Press Agency, Nevrivy said he had “allowed himself to be carried away into making such statements”. He stressed that the meeting had taken place in a private setting and said he could no longer remember the exact wording.

According to Kurier, Nevrivy also criticised Vienna’s health councillor, Peter Hacker, during the meeting. He allegedly said Hacker was very good at telling people anything, but that he did not want to discuss technical matters with him.

Hacker told ORF Vienna that he was not affected by the remarks and pointed out that Nevrivy had already apologised.

Ruck has since resigned from all his positions. He allegedly criticised fellow party members and discussed appointments during the meeting. The conversation was apparently recorded, and transcripts were passed to the media. The former chamber chief described the reports as part of a “campaign”. He has neither confirmed the statements nor publicly denied them.