Austria

New details have emerged in the ongoing ORF affair as supervisory board members have reviewed 3820 chats, notes, and secretly recorded phone calls seized during an investigation against an employee, who has provided explanations for the documents. Separately, a parliamentary investigation committee is continuing its questioning sessions into the Pilnacek case, involving a former high-ranking official in the Ministry of Justice who passed away in October 2023.

Discussions have also begun regarding a potential military service reform that would not include new civilian service options. The Freedom Party (FPÖ) has rejected this proposed reform, stating that the army could be closed if it proceeds. Meanwhile, Austria is considering options for new fighter jets, with the F-15EX model being discussed for its advanced capabilities.

In the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), new dynamics are emerging in the leadership discussion, with speculation about whether the party might become a 'Chamber of Labor branch,' involving figures like Federal Minister for Finance Markus Marterbauer and State Secretary for Sports Michaela Schmidt. Reports also indicate that Doris Bures, the Third President of the National Council, was considered for the SPÖ party leadership but did not assume the role.