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2d ago

Sebastian Kurz Acquitted of False Testimony by Austrian Appeals Court

The former Austrian chancellor's overturned conviction removes a major barrier to a potential political comeback, though a separate corruption investigation continues.

Former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz walks after the verdict where the court heard Kurz's appeal against perjury conviction in Vienna, Austria, May 26, 2025. REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
Photographers take pictures of Austria's former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz as he arrives at court for the hearing of his appeal against his conviction for giving false testimony, on May 26, 2025 in Vienna, Austria. Once hailed as the "wunderkind" of Europe's conservatives, Kurz resigned as chancellor in 2021 amid a series of accusations. He was found guilty in 2024 of giving false testimony to a parliamentary inquiry and handed an eight-month suspended jail sentence. (Photo by GEORG HOCHMUTH / APA / AFP) / Austria OUT (Photo by GEORG HOCHMUTH/APA/AFP via Getty Images)
Former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz arrives at court and gives a press statement before a court hears Kurz's appeal against perjury conviction in Vienna, Austria, May 26, 2025. REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
Former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz walks on his way to the court room before a court hears Kurz's appeal against perjury conviction in Vienna, Austria, May 26, 2025. REUTERS/Lisa Leutner

Overview

  • An Austrian appeals court has overturned Sebastian Kurz's 2024 conviction for making false statements to a parliamentary inquiry, clearing his eight-month suspended sentence.
  • The case revolved around Kurz's testimony regarding his role in appointing executives to the state holding company OeBAG, where he was accused of misleading the inquiry.
  • Kurz maintains his innocence, stating he answered questions to the best of his knowledge and expressing relief that the accusations have 'collapsed.'
  • Despite the acquittal, Kurz remains under investigation for alleged corruption, including claims of embezzling public funds for favorable media coverage and skewed polling.
  • Since leaving politics in 2021, Kurz has co-founded the cybersecurity company Dream, valued at $1.1 billion, and speculation persists about his potential return to public office.