Demand for Non-Partisan Leadership of the Justice Department

In front of the Presidential Chancellery in the Vienna Hofburg, among others, former National Council members Heide Schmidt (LiF) and Michael Ikrath (ÖVP) as well as Judge Oliver Scheiber presented a petition from "#aufstehn" with a corresponding appeal to politics, which was signed by around 38,000 people.

President Alexander Van der Bellen, as well as all other politicians involved in the appointment process, should advocate for an independent Minister of Justice. In Hungary, the "Orbanization" began with an attack on free media and the rule of law, emphasized #aufstehn managing director Maria Mayrhofer. She warned against FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl, who sees Viktor Orban as a role model, and reminded of his statement that the law should follow politics.

"If we have learned anything from history, it is that one must not remain silent at crucial moments," explained Judge Oliver Scheiber, explaining why he initiated the petition together with Judge Florian Zillner. While they understand arguments against a non-partisan person at the head of the ministry - they might have a harder time in budget negotiations - "securing independence is more important". The Minister should not even give "the appearance of bias", added the founder of the Liberal Forum, Heide Schmidt.

ÖVP Criticism from Former ÖVP Justice Spokesman

Former Justice spokesman Michael Ikrath was harsh in his criticism of the ÖVP. It is "regrettable" that the establishment of a general prosecutor's office failed due to the blockade of the People's Party. "Given that criminal investigations are currently being conducted against both the ÖVP and high-ranking representatives of the ÖVP and FPÖ, a Minister of Justice from these parties would be untenable," he said. In particular, the work of the Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office (WKStA) would be "seriously questioned", he reminded of "attacks by the ÖVP on the WKStA - keyword 'red networks'". In the case of an FPÖ ministry, the connection to the Identitarians could also "become a real threat to our rule of law".

The petition was signed by several notable jurists, including Heinz Mayer and Alois Birklbauer. Former Justice Minister Maria Berger (SPÖ) and former President of the Supreme Court Irmgard Griss also support the cause.

(APA/Red)

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