The spy who sat in the basement: Fischer denies secret recording of Ruck

Marko Fischer, head of the Social Democratic Economic Association and vice-president of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, has vehemently denied allegations that he was behind the secret recording of a conversation involving Walter Ruck, president of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce. The controversy erupted after parts of a recorded conversation were published by "Kronen Zeitung" and "Profil" on July 17, leading to Ruck facing potential expulsion from the ÖVP party.

Initial reports, citing the broadcaster OE24, identified Fischer as the source of the recording, with the headline "Red Ruck-Vize behind secret recording." Florian Kollenz, director of the Vienna ÖVP Business Association, reacted strongly, calling Fischer's alleged actions "unprecedented" and a "limit crossed." Kollenz condemned Fischer's alleged "intrigue" as damaging to the Chamber of Commerce and disqualifying him from future roles, labeling the actions as "criminal machinations."

However, Fischer has submitted a sworn statement refuting these claims. He asserts that he possesses no audio recording or transcript of the conversation and has only his recollections. Fischer also noted that he was contacted by "Profil" and "Kronen Zeitung," and his press spokesperson reportedly confirmed some passages from an email while denying others.

Adding to the complexity, Ernst Nevrivy, SPÖ district head of Donaustadt, and Christoph Biegelmayer, vice-director of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, have also provided sworn statements to a Viennese lawyer, denying any involvement in the leak. These statements, along with Fischer's, aim to distance themselves from the unauthorized disclosure, leaving the source of the controversial recording still officially unconfirmed despite the accusations leveled against Fischer.