Strache Trial Opens: Co-defendant Claims He Was Pressured to Sign Insurance Deal

Former Austrian Vice Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache faces trial for alleged breach of trust concerning an insurance policy taken out by the FPÖ Vienna party for its chairmen. The case took a surprising turn on its opening day when a co-defendant, Johann Herzog, testified that Strache pressured him into signing an agreement related to the policy in 2014. Herzog, formerly the financial officer of FPÖ Vienna and vice-president of the Vienna state parliament, stated he was "pushed to a small table" and "forced" to sign the document.

Presiding judge Christian Böhm expressed astonishment at Herzog's account, reminding him of his responsibility as a party representative to carefully examine such agreements. The 82-year-old Herzog, however, claimed the process was rushed and he only "skimmed" the paper. The trial centers on a life and pension insurance policy initially established for Hilmar Kabas in 2001. When Strache succeeded Kabas as party leader in 2004, the policy was intended to transfer to him, providing security for him and his family in case of "unforeseen resignation scenarios" or his death.

Strache, who denies the allegations, explained that due to internal party chaos at the time and his young age, a two-part arrangement was made. He stated, "I was supposed to earn my spurs." Initially, he was to be only the insured person, with the potential to become the beneficiary of approximately 830,000 euros after a ten-year probationary period. Strache asserted that he agreed to this arrangement, otherwise, "they would have shot me through sun and moon."

By 2014, Strache had solidified his position as federal party leader, having led the FPÖ from 3% and significant debt to nearly 26%. He emphasized his dedication, working "day and night for the party." He felt the time was right for a "written agreement," especially since he had left his profession as a dental technician. Strache argued that without such an agreement, he would have been left "naked" in the event of a sudden resignation.

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