After Supreme Court ruling:

FPÖ wants to generate “Räuber Rathausplatz” with AI

(Bild: APA/dpa/Sebastian Gollnow)

The Vienna FPÖ wants to continue using the "Robber Rathausplatz" as a motif. However, the graphics will no longer be based on the well-known children's book "Räuber Hotzenplotz", but a new version will be created.

The publisher of the well-known children's book "Räuber Hotzenplotz" had taken legal action against its use and has now been upheld by the Supreme Court - krone.at reported. The Blue Party is now relying on artificial intelligence (AI) to design the new character.

The Vienna Freedom Party's campaign was about criticizing the fees policy of Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ). In the background of these accusations, the head of the city could be seen wearing the typical Hotzenplotz outfit with a large hat.

Publisher found to be in breach of copyright
The Freedom Party argued in court that it was a parody. This was initially upheld by the Vienna Commercial Court, but in the second and third instance, the publisher, who had identified a breach of copyright, prevailed.

Subject replaced by AI-generated version
A party spokesperson confirmed to APA on Wednesday that the graphic version of the campaign had already been changed some time ago. In future, it will be completely replaced by an AI-generated version. Everything will be legally compliant, they assured us.

In terms of content, the FPÖ emphasized that the use of the "Räuber Rathausplatz" motif is more topical than ever. The campaign will "naturally" be continued in view of the new fee increases by the Ludwig-SPÖ.

Campaign website in "maintenance mode"
However, on Wednesday morning (as of 11.45 a.m.), the FPÖ's campaign website stated: "Maintenance mode is switched on".