In a U Committee meeting, Benko discusses his connection to Kurz.
René Benko's connections with politicians have made their way to the forefront of an Austrian parliament inquiry committee. However, the wealthy investor wishes to say as little as possible to avoid implicating himself as public prosecutors are also monitoring his business practices. Due to these circumstances, Benko has refrained from answering most questions during the session.
Ex-billionaire René Benko faced a grilling in the parliament inquiry committee. Stating "I ask for your understanding that I will not answer most of the questions," he dampened the hopes for any in-depth understanding. Accusations and allegations against the investor prompted his cautious approach since any statements could potentially result in legal consequences. Throughout the session, Benko engaged the sub-committee in prolonged procedural discussions and frequently consulted his legal counsel on almost every query.
The main focus of the committee is to examine the alleged preferential treatment of well-connected tycoons by the ÖVP, the conservative party of incumbent Chancellor, and financial authorities. Despite this, the economic downfall of Signa Group - which had also expanded substantially in Germany in recent times - is not a formal part of the committee's agenda.
Benko admits to having warm relationships with former Curz
Furthermore, Benko was confronted with questions regarding his connections with former Chancellor and ÖVP leader Sebastian Kurz. "A few months before his appointment as Chancellor in summer 2017, Kurz attended a major event at a Signa property on Lake Garda as a guest," disclosed Benko. Additionally, Kurz had also stayed on Benko's yacht after leaving politics. Kurz was also employed as a Signa consultant after his political retirement due to his valuable international contacts.
Benko refused to answer questions concerning the tax categorization of a Signa private jet, tax debts, and potential political deals concerning Signa's media holdings, citing the extensive investigations by the economic crimes and corruption public prosecutor. When he also declined to divulge information about prominent guests in a luxury chalet built by Signa, the committee chair announced his intention to apply for a fine of up to €1000 against Benko.
Prior to his questioning, the enigmatic Benko walked silently past the numerous journalists and into the courtroom. Accompanied by his legal counsel and plainclothes police officers, he had been requested by the Austrian parliament to appear before the committee after initially ignoring their summons twice.
Read also:
- Lack of snow also opens up new opportunities for winter tourism
- Abrupt end to e-car subsidies
- The chemical industry has little confidence
- Intersport boss hopes for sales boom through sporting events
The parliamentary inquiry committee's investigation into the ÖVP and financial authorities' alleged preferential treatment of well-connected tycoons also involves Sebastian Kurz, as René Benko admitted having close relations with the former Austrian Chancellor and ÖVP leader. Despite Benko's desire to avoid self-incrimination due to ongoing investigations, the committee pressed him on his involvement with Kurz, including Kurz's attendance at a Signa event and his post-political employment as a Signa consultant. Furthermore, the committee sought clarification on Kurz's stay on Benko's yacht and potential political deals relating to Signa's media holdings, but Benko cited the extensive corruption probe as a reason for his silence on these matters.
Source: www.ntv.de
