Corruption controversy unveiled in Burgenland worth 83.5 million euros, with Norbert Hofer accusing Doskozil
Burgenland's PR Spending Under Scrutiny: FPÖ Calls for Transparency and Strategy
A damning audit report on Burgenland's public relations (PR) practices, led by State Government Hans Peter Doskozil, has drawn criticism from the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ). The report, described as a "document of political and administrative failure" by Norbert Hofer, an FPÖ member of the state parliament, highlights the misspending of 83.5 million euros in taxpayer money over the past six years.
According to the audit, the state's PR measures have, at times, been awarded "illegally" without clear strategies or controls. The audit found:
- Lack of communication strategy: Measures were justified vaguely, often with reference to government programs.
- Lack of success control: Expensive campaigns and advertisements had no clear goals or measurable results.
- Tender scandals: Offers were not compared, and necessary documents, sometimes even receipts, were missing.
Hofer criticized the misspending as unprofessional and accompanies the "flavor of politics." The state holding, whose subsidiaries were audited, alleges political instrumentalization.
The FPÖ has demanded binding tender guidelines and measurable communication strategies to address these concerns. Tender rules would ensure transparency and fairness, preventing arbitrary PR expenses. Additionally, PR campaigns would feature clear, definable objectives and measurable results for accountability.
The ÖVP concurs with the report's findings, stating that there is a significant need for improvement in steering, transparency, and control of public relations. ÖVP representative Thomas Steiner emphasized the importance of budgeting with clarity and justification for PR spending.
The Burgenland State Holding maintains its efforts to professionalize and increase efficiency in PR, with the introduction of a group directive "Shared Service Communication." This initiative reportedly led to savings of around 1.51 million euros for the group in 2024. However, the holding acknowledges taking the audit findings seriously and continues to implement essential recommendations.
SPO spokesman Christian Dax criticized the ÖVP for causing an "unreasonably high workload" for the positions audited.
In the wake of the audit, it appears the FPÖ seeks tighter fiscal oversight and strategic management of Burgenland's PR spending, aiming to increase transparency, fiscal responsibility, and the effectiveness of government communication efforts.
Related Stories
- E-Cars Gain Popularity Despite High Costs: Austria's car drivers are torn between comfort, habit, and the environment, according to a new study by the Vienna Municipal Insurance.
- Government Cracks Down on Online Offenders: As radicalization processes shift to the internet, the government is taking action to combat extremist content.
- Nehammer Takes a Break Before New Role: Former Chancellor Karl Nehammer is enjoying his vacation before taking up his new position as Vice President of the European Investment Bank.
The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) has advocated for the implementation of binding tender guidelines and measurable communication strategies to improve the transparency and effectiveness of Burgenland's PR spending, following the audit that exposed misspending of 83.5 million euros. This proactive measure aims to curb arbitrary expenditure and ensure the success control and strategic management of public relations.
The fervent call for policy-and-legislation changes in Burgenland's PR practices by the FPÖ is not limited to the issue at hand, as it also impacts other general-news initiatives, such as the government's efforts to combat extremist content online and the rollout of e-cars, which have high costs but growing popularity. In these instances, the need for transparency, accountability, and strategic management remains paramount.
