Johann Gudenus (43) speaks before his appearance on the U-committee on Thursday “Today” again about the Ibiza affair. The fact that the video from the villa is now to be shown makes him “speechless”. In the interview, he reveals what became of his forest in Lower Austria, what he lives on – and whether he hopes that the fake oligarch will be caught.
“Today”: Mr. Gudenus, ensuring the whole twelve-hour footage and the Publication of mug shots by the oligarch niece brought the Ibiza affair back into the media spotlight. How uncomfortable is it for you to be confronted with the scandal again now?
Johann Gudenus: The whole thing was three years ago, a year ago short sequences from this evening in Ibiza appeared. The consequences are well known, including those that I have personally drawn. If all of this is to be warmed up again, the only thing that should be distracted by current scandals, such as the government’s entire corona misconduct. In the U-Committee itself, the focus on Ibiza should probably obscure the view of the Casinos Austria topic and the involvement of the ÖVP there.
“I’ve never been a fan of vacation videos. There’s a more interesting pastime, but I’ll have to watch the 12 hours if I have to.”
“Today”: If you have the material, will you ever watch the full 12 hours?
I’ve never been a fan of vacation videos – especially if they were made by a criminal gang. I think there is a more interesting pastime. But if need be, then yes.
Video presentation in the U-committee: “It leaves me speechless …”
“Today”: But now the video is to be shown to the members of the parliamentary committee of inquiry. What do you think?
It makes me speechless what questionable events are actually possible in this constitutional state Austria. I wasn’t even asked to watch this video.
“I am very happy to see former colleagues again – if I even recognize them behind the mask.”
“Today”: Are you bothered by the idea of being interviewed by a U-committee?
On the contrary. I find it interesting to be able to get to know parliamentarianism from this side. I am also very happy to see former colleagues again – if I even recognize them behind the mask.
“Today”: It is in the room that the whole video is now going public. Are you afraid of new revelations or embarrassments?
I cannot imagine that there is anyone who would like to have published hours and hours of – in principle private – conversations and situations. Protection of one’s own image and privacy must also apply here. Just as an example: Kurz wouldn’t be happy if there were longer videos of his visits to his friend Martin Ho’s legendary parties. But I’m sure he also knows how to prevent such videos from ever showing up.
“Assume that the show is secret, without cell phones.”
“Today”: Anyway, we can only speculate about the Chancellor’s reaction to party videos. Do you think that the members of the U-Committee will be given the video on a USB stick?
No. I’m already assuming that the screening will take place in a secret, secluded room at the Hofburg and that everyone will have to hand in their cell phones beforehand. At least this would be the norm in a constitutional state.
“Today”: According to “Kurier”, the Ibiza video is said to have been walled into an outlet. Do you know where that was supposed to be?
No idea.
“One thing is certain, the pressure on the Ibiza oligarch increases after the photo release.”
“Today”: Do you think the Ibiza oligarch will ever be caught?
One thing is certain: the pressure is increasing. And the chances of finding this woman have certainly increased due to the photo publication.
“Today”: Would you like the police to pick up “Alyona Makarova”?
Of course you want justice.
“Today”:How are you personally one year after the scandal that ended your political career?
Good thank you. I look ahead and enjoy spending time with my family.
“I am an entrepreneur, I see my children growing up – and there is no shortage of ideas either.”
“Today”: Are you now a full-time dad?
The father role is more than just a job. I see my three children growing up and that makes me proud. My profession is an entrepreneur, it should stay that way and I look forward to the challenges of the next few years. I’m building a company. There is no shortage of ideas.
“Today”: The corona crisis was challenging for many founders. Can you make a living from your job?
Yes, I can live on it. Corona certainly didn’t make it easier.
“Yes, I still own the forest in Lower Austria. I was only there at Pentecost and don’t really want to sell it.”
“Today”: What is your company’s line of business?
International consultancy – with a focus on Eastern Europe. I can use my language skills and my diplomatic training well here.
“Today”: Do you actually still own the forest in Lower Austria in which the supposed oligarchs niece was interested?
Of course, I spent Whit Monday there. My family and I actually have no intention of selling it. Unless someone would offer a lot of money for it – that was the case with the wrong oligarch – then of course you think about it …
“Today”: In conclusion: Have you spoken to Heinz-Christian Strache about the new twists in the past few days?
No, we have no contact.
“Today”: The answer is disappointingly cool now. Is that perhaps because your former friend Strache is angry because you didn’t tell him about the allegedly willing oligarch before Ibiza?
There are obviously different perceptions. As soon as I knew that the wrong oligarch wanted to move to Austria, invest and get to know him, I of course told Mr. Strache about it.
“Strache was informed about some investment ideas in advance of Ibiza and was also quite interested.”
“Today”: What was his reaction like?
Since he had little time, he said I should keep in touch until there is a first meeting with him. Strache was always very interested in such contacts. For example, he was also aware of a dinner in Vienna, but had no time to attend it.
“Today”: You say he was “always very interested” – did oligarch women knock on the FPÖ door more often?
Strache was informed about some investment ideas in the run-up to Ibiza and was also interested in talking about them further. I often looked after such contacts for him.
“Today”: In the end, were you perhaps a little too good-faith?
In any case, I believed that the intentions were real.
