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October 8, 2026

Austria: Ex-broadcaster chief sues for harassment — FrontPages.eu, October 08, 2026

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Thursday, October 08, 2026

🔀 Reshuffle

Former ORF Director General Roland Weissmann has initiated legal action against the public broadcaster, alleging sexual harassment. This development is accompanied by a public prosecutor's investigation into an employee and her lawyer, raising further questions about Pius Strobl's involvement in the ongoing scandal. The head of the Federal Criminal Police Office, Gerhard Holzer, is also scheduled to be questioned by an investigative committee, which is probing information flow related to Christian Pilnacek's death, with anti-corruption expert Martin Kreutner commenting on the inquiry's findings. In political developments, the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) executive board has appointed Eva-Maria Holzleitner, the Federal Minister for Women, Science and Research, and Philip Kucher, the parliamentary group leader, to new leadership positions, signaling a concrete step in the party's transition. Discussions are also underway regarding Markus Marterbauer, the Federal Minister of Finance, and his potential to lead the SPÖ out of its polling slump, with SPÖ politician Petra Kohl indicating no alternative plan to Marterbauer. Meanwhile, the city of Vienna plans to expand its employer tax to finance new subway construction. Other domestic news includes a gas station explosion resulting in severe burns, a fatal climbing accident in Lower Austria, and a report on rising PR costs at the Vienna Chamber of Commerce under former President Walter Ruck.

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Former ORF Director General Roland Weissmann is suing the public broadcaster for alleged sexual harassment, which he denies. This new legal action comes as the public prosecutor's office investigates an employee and her lawyer, raising questions about Pius Strobl's role in the affair. Weissmann had previously resigned in March 2026 amidst these allegations.

profil: Weissmann: Chats, Money and an ORF in Crisis

Former ORF General Director Roland Weissmann is suing his former employer for alleged sexual harassment; while the internal investigation found no misconduct, the public prosecutor's office is investigating the employee and her lawyer, raising questions about Pius Strobl's role.

The SPÖ executive board has appointed Eva-Maria Holzleitner, the Federal Minister for Women, Science and Research, and Philip Kucher, the parliamentary group leader, to new leadership roles. The party is also grappling with its future direction, with discussions focusing on whether Markus Marterbauer, the Federal Minister of Finance, can improve the party's poll standings. SPÖ politician Petra Kohl has stated there is no alternative plan to Marterbauer for a political position. Michael Ludwig…

Kurier: Crisis in Social Democracy: Why Ludwig is Often Silent

The SPÖ is searching for itself, with Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig considered a key figure. The article examines his current actions and the strategy he is pursuing.

Die Presse: SPÖ Leadership Changes Amidst Falling Apprenticeship Numbers

The SPÖ executive board appoints Holzleitner and Kucher to leadership positions, while the number of apprentices continues to decline. The Nobel Prize in Literature will be awarded.

profil: Kowall: 'There is no Plan B for Marterer'

SPÖ politician Petra Kohl states that there is no alternative plan to Marterbauer regarding a political position.

Die Presse: Can Marterbauer Lead the SPÖ Out of the Polling Slump?

The article questions whether Marterbauer has the ability to improve the SPÖ's standing in the polls.

DER STANDARD: SPÖ Aims to Finalize New Leadership and Hopes for End to "Rumbling and Shadow…

Following committee meetings, the SPÖ party plans to install the Women's Minister Holzleitner and parliamentary group leader Kucher alongside Babler as the interim party leader, seeking to end internal conflicts.

ORF: Investigation Committee: Head of Federal Criminal Police Office to be Questioned

The head of Austria's Federal Criminal Police Office is scheduled to be questioned by an investigative committee.

ORF: Austria: Vienna Chamber of Commerce PR Costs Explode

PR costs at the Vienna Chamber of Commerce have significantly increased under the leadership of Ruck.

Kurier: Explosion at Gas Station: Man Suffers Severe Burns

During work at a gas station, fuel vapors ignited, causing an explosion and severe burns to a man.

The city of Vienna is increasing its employer tax to secure funding for the construction of new subway lines.

Die Presse: Vienna Expands Employer Tax to Fund Subway Construction

The city of Vienna is increasing its employer tax to finance the construction of new subway lines.

The takeover of RHI Magnesita is being celebrated with a fireworks concert.

profil: RHI Magnesita Takeover: Fireworks Concert with Du...

RHI Magnesita's takeover is marked by a fireworks concert.

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