It is another inglorious chapter for the Linz MFG faction: After both faction chairman Norbert Obermayr and local councilor Vera Schachner broke with the parent party, there is now an open dispute between the two.
More on the subject: Linz MFG local councilor leaves the party
The reason is the funding that a parliamentary group receives for political work, which, according to Schachner, amounts to around 430,000 euros during the entire municipal council term. The factions have to decide internally how the money will be used. But things haven’t worked out between Obermayr and Schachner for a long time.
Mutual accusations
Yesterday the latter informed the media about serious allegations that it was making against Obermayr. Specifically, she raises the suspicion that he would misuse group funds. Obermayr billed the parliamentary group for his working time and travel costs as well as training costs for his expert work. However, he did not provide any evidence for this, only an invoice. In total it’s a few thousand euros. Schachner informed Mayor Klaus Luger (SP) of her suspicions and filed a complaint with the public prosecutor. After a request from Schachner’s lawyer, Obermayr refunded part of the money – and blocked Schachner’s access to the faction’s account.
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Obermayr contradicts Schachner. All invoices had long since been filed in a folder in the parliamentary group room and payment for further training measures had been agreed with her. The trips invoiced also took place in the context of his political activities.
Obermayr threatens to sue for defamation
Then Obermayr goes on the counterattack in the OÖN conversation. Schachner, for her part, had not provided a single receipt for her expenses until last week. “She keeps transferring money to herself and I don’t know what she does with it,” he says. As chairman, he was responsible and that’s why he blocked the account. “If Ms. Schachner believes she has to defame me, she must expect a lawsuit,” says Obermayr.
Schachner explains to the OÖN that she used the money to purchase technical equipment for the parliamentary group office and finance information stands and trips for sympathizers, for example to the botanical garden or to the music theater. “Of course the receipts are in the cash register,” says Schachner.
Only one application so far
Whatever the outcome of the dispute: the MFG faction does not stand out due to its strong political work in the local council. According to his own information, Schachner has so far submitted one application, Obermayr none.
Neos demand “voluntary transparency”
In view of the “MFG financial scandal”, NEOS parliamentary group leader Georg Redlhammer is calling on all parties to voluntarily disclose the use of parliamentary group funding. “Finally disclose what you use your tax money for. The people of Linz have a right to know what will happen to over nine million euros by the end of the legislative period,” says Redlhammer.
Christian Diabl
