Chair of Parliamentary Corruption Enquiry resigns

The head of an Austrian parliamentary enquiry investigating corruption, the Green Party MP Gabriela Moser, resigned on 18 Sept., following a row with the government over investigating Social Democratic Chancellor Werner Faymann. This has caused a deadlock in the inquiry.

Faymann and a top aide are being questioned about claims that they illegally pressured the ÖBB national railway and Asfinag highway agency to place flattering ads in tabloid newspapers during his time as Transportation Minister in 2007, before he became chancellor. Faymann has repeatedly denied all accusations and said he is willing to testify if asked. The investigation reflects an on-going climate of mistrust in Austrian politics, and the growing belief that corruption in government is rife.