Austrian ÖVP split over Wirtschaftsbund chief Walter Ruck amid controversy

Former ÖVP minister Maria Rauch‑Kallat announced on Facebook that she is leaving the Wiener Wirtschaftsbund, criticizing its president Walter Ruck for conduct she can no longer accept. Her statement references leaked internal recordings that alleged sexism, cronyism and other misconduct surrounding Ruck.

ÖVP state leader Markus Figl reiterated that Ruck is no longer welcome at meetings of the Viennese party presidium, describing the idea of his continued participation as "absurd." The party’s regional business association, the Wiener Wirtschaftsbund, remains caught between loyalty to Ruck – who could stay chief of the ÖVP‑Wirtschaftsbund until 2031 – and pressure from the ÖVP to distance itself from him. Internal discussions focus on how to manage members who remain loyal to Ruck and what representation the Wirtschaftsbund will have in party bodies.

The dispute highlights a broader rift within the ÖVP over the “Ludwig‑Ruck system” and may prompt a leadership reshuffle within the Wirtschaftsbund, though no definitive change has been announced yet.