Research: The Schmid-Benko Chats (The Protocols of Proximity)
"You are the whore for the rich!" – Insights into a system of privileged treatment.
The secured chat messages from Thomas Schmid document a close relationship between top-level politics and large investors that is unprecedented in the Second Republic of Austria. Especially the communication with René Benko provides deep insights into the "aesthetics of intervention."
Key Quotes and Events
1. The "Whore for the Rich"
A quote that Schmid wrote in a chat about his own role in the ÖVP cabinet became a catchphrase for allegations of venality:
"You're working in the ÖVP cabinet!! You are the whore for the rich!"
2. The Job Offer as Currency
According to Schmid's testimony, René Benko offered him a position as General Representative at the end of 2016 – with a salary package of up to 600,000 euros per year. At the same time, Schmid was involved in tax audits of Signa.
3. "We are for René Benko"
In a chat with top officials, Schmid clarified the ministry's strategy:
"We are for René Benko. Think he is coordinated with HBK [Federal Chancellor Kurz]."
Sources: Interrogation protocols of the WKStA (Thomas Schmid), reporting by Profil, Standard, and ZackZack.