U-committee rejection

René Benko cancels his appearance at the U-Committee again

(Bild: APA/dpa/Frank Rumpenhorst)

Real estate juggler René Benko has once again refused to appear before the COFAG sub-committee. The SPÖ has now decided to summon him one last time for Thursday, as the "Krone" has learned. If he cancels again, he could actually be brought before the committee with the help of the executive. 

The MPs wanted to summon Benko to appear before the sub-committee for the first time back in March. However, the fallen businessman asked to be allowed to testify in April - which he was granted. However, a letter from his lawyer Norbert Wess followed for the appointment on April 4, in which Benko canceled his appearance. 

Lost track of the proceedings and charges?
The reason given at the time: in the weeks before, a large number of statements of facts had been submitted to various prosecuting authorities against Benko and various Signa companies. Against this background, it was "virtually impossible at this point in time" for Benko to prepare for the hearing in the sub-committee together with his legal counsel.

The file trolley in the sub-committee is always a highlight.(Bild: Matthias Fuchs)

Due to a lack of knowledge of the allegations against him, Benko "cannot even begin to estimate the extent to which he has the right to refuse to testify". An appearance before the committee would be "unreasonable", as there was a "massive violation of the rights of the accused", it was said at the time. 

Benko insists on right to refuse to testify
Today it became known that Benko continues to insist on this argument. The "level of information" of the real estate entrepreneur, who is currently slipping into bankruptcy with almost the entire Signa company structure, has not improved, it was said. The company therefore continues to insist on its right to refuse to give evidence.

In addition, a court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday morning at the Tyrolean regional court in Innsbruck, at which the ex-entrepreneur should be present. However, it remains to be seen whether Benko will actually attend the hearing for his private insolvency proceedings. 

Late this morning, it was announced that the SPÖ will summon Benko one last time on Thursday. If he refuses again, he could be forced to appear at the hearing in May - with the help of the executive. The last time he refused, the SPÖ motion, which was unanimously accepted, "only" imposed a penalty.

Benko is to be summoned one last time on Thursday.(Bild: APA/dpa/Frank Rumpenhorst)

Turquoise-Green instead of Benko
Instead of Benko, it now appears to be a "Government Wednesday" in the U Committee. This is because Finance Minister Magnus Brunner and Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler have now agreed to appear as witnesses.