Former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz was acquitted of perjury charges on May 26, 2025, in a significant judicial decision that aims to restore his reputation after years of legal turmoil. The ruling came from a Vienna court that overturned a prior sentence connecting Kurz to misleading statements made during a parliamentary inquiry regarding his role in the appointment of an ally to a government panel.
Judge Werner Röggla remarked that the evidence for false testimony did not meet the judicial criteria, emphasizing that while Kurz’s answers were somewhat incomplete, they were ultimately truthful. The inquiry, which has haunted Kurz since his resignation in 2021, stemmed from a 2020 parliamentary session where the former Chancellor’s communication was scrutinized.
“It's challenging to accept that I was prosecuted for being unable to give a comprehensive answer when interrupted,” an optimistic Kurz shared with the press after the verdict. Despite this legal victory, Kurz remains under investigation for his alleged role in orchestrating the publication of misleading opinion polls, an inquiry that precedes his resignation.
Kwurz first took office in December 2017 at the age of 31 and led two different governments, the first of which crumbled due to a scandal involving his coalition partner, culminating in public exposure of questionable political transactions. In recent developments, while a documentary celebrating his political journey sparked speculation for a comeback, Kurz firmly distanced himself from such ambitions while steering clear of a leadership contest for the Austrian People’s Party earlier this year.
As Kurz's legal battles continue, questions remain about his political future and the implications of pending charges linked to the publication of manipulated polls.
Judge Werner Röggla remarked that the evidence for false testimony did not meet the judicial criteria, emphasizing that while Kurz’s answers were somewhat incomplete, they were ultimately truthful. The inquiry, which has haunted Kurz since his resignation in 2021, stemmed from a 2020 parliamentary session where the former Chancellor’s communication was scrutinized.
“It's challenging to accept that I was prosecuted for being unable to give a comprehensive answer when interrupted,” an optimistic Kurz shared with the press after the verdict. Despite this legal victory, Kurz remains under investigation for his alleged role in orchestrating the publication of misleading opinion polls, an inquiry that precedes his resignation.
Kwurz first took office in December 2017 at the age of 31 and led two different governments, the first of which crumbled due to a scandal involving his coalition partner, culminating in public exposure of questionable political transactions. In recent developments, while a documentary celebrating his political journey sparked speculation for a comeback, Kurz firmly distanced himself from such ambitions while steering clear of a leadership contest for the Austrian People’s Party earlier this year.
As Kurz's legal battles continue, questions remain about his political future and the implications of pending charges linked to the publication of manipulated polls.
