Supreme Court Rejects ÖVP Politician Wöginger's Appeal in Abuse of Office Case

Former ÖVP club chairman August Wöginger faces ongoing legal challenges after the Supreme Court rejected his appeal against a conviction for abuse of office. Wöginger, who also serves as the federal chairman of the ÖAAB, was found guilty in May and handed a conditional seven-month prison sentence and a fine of 43,200 euros.

The case originated in 2017 when Michael L., a mayor, allegedly sought Wöginger's assistance to secure a position on the board of the Braunau-Ried-Schärding tax office. According to the WKStA (Central Public Prosecutor's Office for Economic and Corruption Offences), Wöginger then contacted Thomas Schmid, the then-secretary-general in the ÖVP-led Finance Ministry. Schmid, in turn, intervened with a member of the appointment commission, which subsequently awarded the position to L.

This decision bypassed Christa Scharf, a reportedly better-qualified candidate. Scharf subsequently lodged complaints, leading to findings by the Federal Equal Treatment Commission in 2017 that she had been hindered in her career advancement due to her worldview. In 2021, the Federal Administrative Court also determined that Scharf had been overlooked and was entitled to 5,000 euros in damages.

Wöginger has consistently denied the allegations, stating he merely forwarded application documents. The legal process has been complex, involving initial diversion offers that were later contested. The current situation means the legal proceedings are not yet finalized, despite the Supreme Court's recent decision.