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Archived edition · October 08, 2026 Today's news →

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Reshuffle 🔀

Social Democrats shuffle leaders to halt polling slide

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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ORF Scandal Escalates with Lawsuit and Investigations

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.

SPÖ Appoints New Leaders Amidst Future Direction Debate

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…

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