Vienna SPÖ Has Developed Internal Compliance System

The process was initiated after officials had to justify their allotment garden reasons. It was established that all those who work in or for the SPÖ must act credibly, transparently and in accordance with the law. A dedicated "Compliance Officer" serves as a point of contact.

In the discussion about allotment gardens, a purchase made by the Donaustadt SPÖ district leader Ernst Nevrivy in a facility in Breitenlee in 2020 was in focus. In 2021, the property was rezoned as building land - which has led to accusations that he benefited from the change. Before Nevrivy, several SPÖ politicians had already purchased plots there.

Vienna SPÖ: "Compliance Compass" as a Guideline

The public prosecutor's office is currently investigating on suspicion of abuse of office. The SPÖ has internally investigated the matter and found no misconduct, and the Vienna Court of Audit could not detect any influence on zoning procedures. However, the party promised to devote more attention to the issue of compliance.

This has now happened: Information letters with the key points are being sent to delegates, officials and members. At the heart of the system is a "Compliance Compass". It is important, it says, to comply with existing laws and rules, to live the basic values of social democracy, to disclose conflicts of interest and to handle confidential information responsibly.

One Should Pay Attention to the Party's Reputation

It is also pointed out that one should pay attention to the party's reputation - for example, when active on social media platforms. "Postings, likes or sharing of content can have a negative impact on others and our movement," it is emphasized. No specific cases are mentioned, but there is a guide for potential problematic situations.

If they find themselves in such a situation, comrades are advised to consider whether their own behavior could harm the party. They are also advised to ask themselves the following question: "What if my behavior were to appear in the newspaper tomorrow?"

If one cannot answer this themselves, those affected are advised to seek help. Possible contacts could be superiors or the works council. A dedicated "Compliance Officer" will also be installed as a contact person within the party.

Internal Compliance System: Sanctions were not specifically anchored

The rules also address the issue of donations to full-time employees. If the value of the gift exceeds 70 euros, a report to the organisation is necessary. For gifts over 100 euros, approval must be obtained from the supervisor.

"As the first and so far only party in Austria, the SPÖ Vienna has developed a compliance system. We are proud to be a pioneer in this area and to lead by good example," emphasised State Party Secretary Novak. The system makes the basic values of the SPÖ's work transparent and comprehensible, thus strengthening people's trust in politics and democracy, she was convinced.

Existing principles lived within the Vienna Social Democrats have been put into writing for the compliance system. They would be further expanded if necessary, Novak promised. The implementation of the guidelines in the party is to take place, among other things, through its own ambassadors. There will also be training and workshops.

Sanctions were not specifically anchored in the system. Because such already exist at other levels, as was explained to the APA. For example, it is provided in the statute that the arbitration court can be involved. The ultimate consequence here is expulsion from the party. For full-time employees, labour law also applies, it was emphasised.

For the Vienna ÖVP, the question arises after the presentation whether there is a "real will to reform" in the SPÖ, or whether they are just trying to distract from old misdemeanours. "Apparently, it takes public pressure and prosecutorial investigations before transparency becomes an issue in the SPÖ at all," found the state manager of the Vienna People's Party, Peter Sverak. The Vienna ÖVP, he assured, has been advocating for clear, transparent and above all independent control mechanisms in politics for years.

The Greens were pleased that the "small garden scandal" has now "finally" led to the SPÖ prescribing compliance rules. "This is urgently necessary for the SPÖ," Club Chairman David Ellensohn was convinced. However, he added: "It is simply wrong to claim that the SPÖ is the only party that imposes compliance rules on itself." The Greens have been doing this for years, he pointed out.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.