Austrian prosecutors have approached parliament with a request to remove the immunity of Herbert Kickl, leader of Austria’s right-wing Freedom Party, due to allegations of perjury.
The Central Public Prosecutor’s Office for Economic Crimes and Corruption (WKStA) sent the request to the office of the Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament, Walter Rosenkranz, a fellow party member of Kickl.
According to Austrian media, the complaint to WKStA was filed by Andreas Hanger, a former member of the Austrian People’s Party, regarding alleged false statements made by the right-wing leader in a parliamentary committee. Kickl allegedly lied in response to several questions, including those about advertising in print media paid for by the Freedom Party. The politician has previously denied these allegations.
Now, the Speaker of the Austrian Parliament must submit a request to the Immunity Committee, which will prepare a report before the chamber decides whether to lift Kickl’s immunity. Without this step, prosecutors cannot proceed with an investigation.
The Freedom Party came in first place in the parliamentary elections at the end of September, receiving about 29% of the votes, and currently holds the most seats in parliament.
