Austria’s far-right party expels former leader over scandal
Prior to the announcement, several party members had called for him to be removed from the party after he was implicated in a political scandal known as the “Ibiza Affair” earlier this year.
The Ibiza Affair
After 14 years as party leader, Strache sent Austrian politics into a tailspin in May when a video surfaced of the politician, who was vice chancellor at the time, offering public contracts to the alleged niece of a Russian oligarch in exchange for campaign support.
As a result, Strache was forced to step down from his positions as party leader and vice chancellor.
The affair caused a breakdown in Austria’s governing coalition. New federal elections were held in September as a result.
That same month, Strache was accused of misusing party funds. Federal prosecutors later confirmed they were investigating the accusations. Strache has denied the claims.
“This is a relief for us because it makes Ibiza a part of history and allows us to look toward the future,” said the FPÖ new party
leader Norbert Hofer on Friday.
Comeback in the works
In recent weeks, 50-year-old Strache has gone back on his initial announcement and said he will not withdraw from political life.
“The enormous encouragement I’ve received from the public in the last weeks and months has allowed me to reconsider a political comeback in 2020,” he said in a video message.
The FPÖ said that Strache has pursued financing for a new project in recent weeks.