FPÖ Will Examine Pilnacek's Death in U-Committee

They want to shed light on the "deep state" of the ÖVP in the Ministry of the Interior, explained FPÖ Secretary General Christian Hafenecker on Monday evening in the PULS-24 program "Both Sides Live". The Pilnacek case serves as a "striking example". The interrogations are set to start in mid-September.

Application for Investigation Committee on Pilnacek Case Almost Ready

The ÖVP has filled the most important positions in the Ministry of the Interior with their own people and exercised "absolute political power" there, according to Hafenecker's accusations. The FPÖ can set up an investigation committee on its own. The application for this is almost ready and is expected to be submitted in April, said the Secretary General. This could be possible at the next National Council meeting on April 24. By September, the official review procedure by the FPÖ-nominated Ombudswoman Elisabeth Schwetz regarding police work surrounding Pilnacek's death would likely also be completed, Hafenecker stated.

Hafenecker Criticizes Data Seizure

It was determined in a very short time that Pilnacek's death was a suicide. However, he never spoke of murder, the Secretary General emphasized when asked. The opportunity was, however, misused to intercept Pilnacek's data carriers, which were not supposed to be made public, he further speculated. The former section chief was a "ticking time bomb" for the ÖVP.

Pilnacek's body was found on October 20, 2023, near Krems, and investigations were conducted by the Lower Austria State Criminal Police Office. Foul play was ruled out by the Krems public prosecutor's office, also based on an expert opinion. Following criticism of the police, the Lower Austrian State Police Director Franz Popp emphasized that all relevant regulations and legal provisions had been complied with. The Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office also stated that the Krems public prosecutor's office had taken the necessary steps to clarify all facts. Meanwhile, the Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office (WKStA) is investigating Lower Austrian officials, with the factual report concerning the seizure of personal items after the body was found.

(APA/Red)

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