Former finance minister and businessman face bribery trial
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A high-profile bribery trial has commenced against businessman Siegfried Wolf and former Finance Minister Hans Jörg Schelling, who faces accusations of abuse of office. Both deny the charges in the case, which also involves a tax official.
In other domestic news, State Secretary Josef Schellhorn of NEOS is prioritizing a reform of store opening hours, proposing extended hours for businesses where the owner works, as well as for staff-less convenience and smart stores. Meanwhile, Vienna's drug scene is reportedly shifting due to a protective zone in Mariahilf, set to expire on November 8th, with residents noting increased public drug use despite the district administration reporting positive outcomes.
Elsewhere, the Director-General of Casinos Austria has declined to renew their contract, necessitating a search for new leadership. The head of the Markenfachverbands, Günter Thumser, has also issued a warning about the consequences of price wars for domestic food manufacturers, criticizing both the retail and political sectors.