Graz debate about expenses

Municipal council debates disposable funds

Reports on Mario Eustacchio's funds were the reason for the special municipal council

(Bild: Jauschowetz Christian)

After the expenses list of the former deputy mayor of Graz, Mario Eustacchio, was made public, the municipal council is to create new, precise regulations for the use of this money on Thursday morning. The debate mainly revolved around the FPÖ's financial affair - and became increasingly heated.

450 euros for carnival costumes, skiing vacations and a wedding present for Mario Kunasek: The "Krone" revealed what was on Mario Eustacchio's list of expenses and what has now led to a special session of the Graz municipal council. The bigger question being debated was: do city councillors need discretionary funds that can be used freely?

Eustacchio is aggressive
Even before Mayor Elke Kahr could call the first item on the agenda, she interrupted Mario Eustacchio, who was taking part in the debate as an independent municipal councillor: "On a point of order," he said. This municipal council meeting is being recorded: "I would like to point out that incriminating statements can also be made." He would strive for respectful interaction and called on his colleagues to do the same.

Mayor Elke Kahr (KPÖ) and Vice Mayor Judith Schwentner (Greens)

(Bild: Jauschowetz Christian)

"Abolish the means of disposal"
Philipp Pointner from the Neos party called for the general abolition of discretionary funds. "The financial scandal (of the FPÖ, note) hovers like a dark cloud over the municipal council period, which is why I think today's meeting is important." It is about how taxpayers' money is controlled in the city. "Perhaps we can take a step in the right direction today."  

Pointner thanked KFG municipal councillor Alexis Pascuttini for his "tireless educational work": it had not yet happened with today's municipal council. They want "constructive critical control and transparency", which includes the "abolition of discretionary funds", or as he also called it: "Trantscherlgeld". 

Philipp Pointner, Neos

(Bild: Jauschowetz Christian)

Discretionary funds are a relic from other times for "political dinosaurs". Expenses such as hospitality could be settled via the club. "I'm glad that we Neos transparently report every sausage roll we buy as a snack for the meeting on our homepage." The abolition of "uncontrollable funds" was "owed to the people of Graz".

1.1 million euros in costs
Sahar Mohsenzada (KPÖ) reported: 50,000 euros are currently available for the mayor, 34,000 for the deputy mayor and 20,000 for each city councillor. In Graz, these funds are relatively high. Following the 2023 ACA report, an internal audit had already been suggested in order to carry out spot checks on the discretionary funds - but this did not happen due to time constraints. Mohsenzada suggested that it would be expedient to carry out an audit by the City Court of Audit.

Deputy Mayor Eustacchio had used his funds for entertainment purposes.

Sahar Mohsenzada, KPÖ

The Neos party tabled an amendment: "We demand the abolition of discretionary funds." A new directive must be "as transparent as a pasta sieve". Pointner also proposed halving club funding. 1.1 million euros in one period made up the total amount of funds, he calculated: "We can use that better for education."

"It's about a moral image"
"Enlightener" Pascuttini stepped up to the lectern. "Mario Eustacchio, I'm on your side and will exonerate you," he began. "It's about shamelessness, it's about excesses, it's about a moral image." He is not an accuser, but people are allowed to make a moral judgment.

"The financial scandal has so many levels. Above all, it is a judicial scandal." He reviewed the scandal. "How stupid are you taking us for, Mr. Eustacchio?" In addition to the criminal law, there is also the moral component: "You have enriched yourself with party money and taxpayers' money, that is a fact." He listed the expenses: 4000 euros for a silver box at the Vienna Academic Ball, a few hundred for a foundation party. Photo albums, celebrations, gifts. 

KFG club leader Alexis Pascuttini

(Bild: Jauschowetz Christian)

Claudia Schönbacher, also from the KFG, began by referring to the FPÖ affair: "We have been standing alone for three years and have been ridiculed - but not outside by the citizens." What is needed is a fixed annual audit of the funds available and disclosure of their use.

Greens for more control
Green municipal councillor Gerhard Hackenberger argued that not everyone who has discretionary funds is a criminal. The money is owed to a function. "You can also eliminate shoplifting by not letting anyone into the store", but that would certainly not make sense.

Anna Hopper, head of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), did not want to "advertise for elections", but rather seek consensus in order to "decide on something permanent". The ÖVP would "prefer that there are funds available". They stand "for clear rules".

Daniela Schlüsselberger from the SPÖ defended herself against "the general condemnation of politics". But we must learn from the affair.

Eustacchio defends himself
Eustacchio also spoke out again: "It just so happens that there is a special session ten days before the state elections." Based on "anonymous accusations", "material is being sought against me", supported by "media acting in an inquisitorial manner". The assessment of his expenses was subjective and without knowing the background.

He had a city council account, "not an expense account". And now apples and oranges were being compared, namely city funds and FPÖ funds, which were also in the account. The skiing vacation had not been paid from city funds, but from other funds. 

Eustacchio quoted from a "new expert opinion" from the public prosecutor's office: "The expert's final sentence: Overall, it can therefore be assumed that the funds available to Mr. Eustacchio were used as intended."

Polemics from opponents
Pascuttini responded sharply and polemically: "If you're only here because you need the money, then I'll make you an offer: resign your office and I'll pay you privately!" 

Pointner's amendment was rejected and the KPÖ's motion was adopted by a large majority.