⚖️ March 17: Wöginger Strikes Back – Schmid's Testimony Labeled 'Fiction'
It is Tuesday, March 17, 2026 (18:02 PM). The eighth day of trial at the Linz Regional Court marks a turning point in August Wöginger's defense strategy.
The "Citizen Surgery" Euphemism
Today, Wöginger gave an extensive statement in which he attacked the testimony of crown witness Thomas Schmid head-on. According to Wöginger, he "never gave Schmid an order." The interventions were merely the forwarding of requests from "citizen surgeries" (Bürgersprechtage).
- Wöginger's Narrative: He is merely a "representative of the people" who stands up for his citizens.
- The Prosecution (WKStA): Sees it as a targeted incitement to abuse of office to hoist an ÖVP mayor into the position of tax office head.
The Feeling of Being "Unwanted"
Particularly distressing today were the testimonies of competing candidates. One witness described having a clear feeling during the 2017 application process of being "unwanted." A classic element in our "system of patronage."
Significance for the "Horten Mystery"
For our mockumentary, today is a gold mine for Part 4: The Political Love Story:
- Language Analysis: We will include the term "citizen surgery" in our "Pointillism Oracle." It is the perfect synonym for "intervention."
- Character Development: The sharp demarcation from Schmid shows the cracks in the old power structure.
- The Aesthetics of Rejection: The testimony about the feeling of being "unwanted" in one's own state will be a central emotional note in Part 4.
"When power disguises itself as citizen service, corruption begins to become invisible."
👉 Analyze the current statistics 👉 Background: The Braunau Tax Office case
Reporting from March 17, 2026. The countdown to the verdict (April 21) is on.