Vienna FPÖ files statement of facts over Ruck case

Vienna’s Freedom Party (FPÖ) has filed a statement of facts with Austria’s Economic and Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (WKStA) over the Ruck case, ORF reported. The submission concerns former Vienna Chamber of Commerce President Walter Ruck and Mayor Michael Ludwig of the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ).

The FPÖ renewed its call for clarification at a news conference on Friday. “Individual pieces of the puzzle are increasingly forming an overall picture. That is why we have now submitted an initial statement of facts. These allegations must be investigated fully and without regard for political office,” FPÖ Vienna state party secretary Lukas Brucker said in a statement.

The case involves transcripts of audio recordings in which Ruck describes how he allegedly worked with Ludwig on a construction project linked to the new AUVA trauma centre in Meidling. The submission includes, among other points, a suspicion of abuse of office.

The FPÖ has also requested a special meeting of Vienna’s municipal council. It will take place on September 21. Brucker criticised the date, saying the party had wanted the allegations to be addressed politically as soon as possible, but that the meeting would not take place until several weeks later.