Breaking: Bregenz suspends culture chief

The city council of Bregenz has removed the head of the cultural department Judith Reichart, pending an investigation into alleged awards of unauthorised commissions. Details are skimpy and presumptions of innocence apply. It is not know whether the internationally renowned lakeside opera festival is affected.

Here’s the council statement:

In a special meeting of the Bregenz City Council on October 5, the majority decided to temporarily remove Mag. Judith Reichart from her position as head of the city’s cultural service. The decision is based on Section 13 in conjunction with Section 96 (2) (b) of the Municipal Employees Act 2005, as amended, and lasts until an investigation or criminal proceeding has been concluded. The background to this is the recently discovered inconsistencies in the cultural service, which must be cleared up as quickly as possible. The presumption of innocence naturally applies to Mag. Judith Reichart. The city and the department head concerned will actively participate in the investigation by the authorities involved.