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Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has responded with a drastic warning to increasingly concrete corruption allegations against conservative Chancellor ÖVP. “What has become public again in recent days on the subject of corruption is no small water stain. It is enormous damage that affects the very substance of our democracy,” the former Greens leader said on Thursday, in front of journalists.

Van der Bellen responded to extensive statements by ÖVP insider Thomas Schmid to corruption investigators. According to prosecutor’s minutes, released this week, Schmid described ex-Chancellor Sebastian Kurz as the originator of tax-funded covert polls.

He also accused other ÖVP politicians and entrepreneurs of illegal job scams and tax interference. Kurz and the other accused either reject the allegations or remain silent.

“We need a general renovation,” said Van der Bellen, calling on the governing coalition of the ÖVP and the Greens and the opposition to join forces to take urgent measures to prevent corruption and nepotism. New elections are not the right move, the president said, also referring to the various current crises that need to be overcome. (sda/dpa)