FPÖ Proposes Investigation Focus for Parliamentary Inquiry

The Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ) is advancing the establishment of a parliamentary inquiry committee aimed at scrutinizing potential abuses of power within the Interior Ministry, which is currently led by the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP). According to reports, one of the key areas of investigation will revolve around the circumstances surrounding the death of former Justice Section Chief Christian Pilnacek. Additionally, two other focal points will address issues related to the government's handling of COVID-19 measures.

The FPÖ's inquiry request emphasizes suspicions regarding improper or politically motivated interference by officials from the Interior Ministry, the Justice Ministry, and the Federal Chancellery. It also raises concerns about the influence of individuals and entities associated with the ÖVP on the operations of law enforcement and judicial bodies, as well as on independent media.

One specific topic within the inquiry relates to the investigations conducted by the Krems public prosecutor's office and the Lower Austria State Criminal Police regarding Pilnacek's death. The FPÖ has indicated that it suspects that evidence may have been tampered with or that investigative outcomes have been manipulated under instructions from higher authorities. Furthermore, the party has alleged that there has been targeted legal action against journalists.

In addition to the investigation concerning Pilnacek, two of the projected three topics for the inquiry will also focus on the management of COVID-19 policies. FPÖ Secretary General Christian Hafenecker recently argued that the police had been misused as an enforcement agency for unconstitutional regulations during the pandemic. There is a strong demand from FPÖ supporters for the party to address these issues thoroughly. Previously, the FPÖ had even considered launching a separate inquiry specifically on COVID-19 measures.

The proposal to establish the inquiry committee is expected to be submitted during a special session of the National Council, which the FPÖ has requested for later this month. With 57 representatives in the National Council, the FPÖ is positioned to initiate the parliamentary inquiry independently, as a minority resolution requires the signatures of only one-quarter of the lawmakers, which amounts to 46.