Austria's EU ambassador, Thomas Oberreiter, resigned earlier this week for "personal reasons," a government spokesperson confirmed on 31/7. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger accepted his resignation.
The resignation followed a report by Austrian newspaper Der Standard alleging Oberreiter was behind an anonymous blog containing misogynistic content and depictions of sexual violence. Some blog posts were reportedly linked to the Austrian Foreign Ministry's internal network and published during working hours.
The blog reportedly combined fictional narratives with real-life images. Details about the blog were allegedly leaked by an anonymous source within the Foreign Ministry.
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Thomas Oberreiter. Photo: BMEIA |
Thomas Oberreiter. Photo: BMEIA
According to the government spokesperson, Meinl-Reisinger was aware of the accusations, and the Foreign Ministry immediately investigated. However, the spokesperson emphasized that the minister's acceptance of the resignation did not confirm the allegations against Oberreiter.
Der Standard reported that Oberreiter denied the accusations, stating he resigned to protect the country's image.
Oberreiter, 59, has worked in the Austrian diplomatic service for over 30 years, holding several key positions, including chief of cabinet. He became Austria's permanent representative to the EU in 2023.
Huyen Le (Politico, Reuters, Telegraph)
