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2026-08-31 04:57 UTC → 2026-09-08 19:12 UTC ·
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Austrian Federal Prosecutor's Office prosecutor reform debate faces revision amid criticism
Legal experts and judicial leaders in Austria have raised significant concerns regarding Following the conclusion of the review period for the proposed reforms to restructuring of the Austrian Federal Prosecutor’s Office. The governing coalition’s draft legislation aims to establish an independent leadership structure consisting of three individuals appointed for six-year terms, intended Office, Justice Minister Anna Sporrer has announced plans to decouple fundamentally revise the office from draft legislation. The decision comes after approximately 800 statements were submitted during an eight-week review, the Minister majority of Justice. However, critics argue the reform may fail to ensure true political independence. Margit Wachberger, head which were critical of the General Prosecutor’s Office, warned that the proposal might merely shift initial proposal. To address concerns regarding political influence to the National Council, which would hold power over appointments and could potentially control ongoing investigations. Gernot Kanduth, president of to ensure the Austrian Judges Association, stated leadership remains decoupled from legislative cycles, Sporrer is proposing to extend the reform does not meet international standards term of office for a non-partisan structure, arguing that moving influence the three-person leadership body from a minister six years to the National Council does not achieve depoliticization. As at least nine years. This adjustment aims to prevent interference from political parties or defense interests. Despite these proposed changes, significant debate persists regarding the review period for selection process. While the law concludes, Amnesty International Austria noted that while decoupling reform seeks to move away from the Minister of Justice is a positive step, Justice's control, critics—including the National Council could use its power to reject candidates without justification, leading to political blockades. The General Prosecutor’s Office at the Supreme Court further cautioned and Amnesty International Austria—have warned that the reform National Council could result still exert undue influence. Concerns remain that the parliamentary appointment process could lead to political blockades or the appearance of partisan selection, potentially resulting in a “massive deterioration compared to the status quo.” To pass, The composition of the legislation requires selection commission, which includes judicial representatives, lawyers, and professors, remains a two-thirds majority in the National Council, necessitating support from either the FPÖ or the Greens. central point of contention.