ÖVP Excludes Walter Ruck From Party Membership

The ÖVP federal party executive committee unanimously excluded Vienna Economic Chamber President Walter Ruck from the party on July 24.

On Friday evening, July 24, 2026, the ÖVP federal party executive committee voted unanimously to exclude Walter Ruck, President of the Vienna Economic Chamber, from the party. The decision followed a recommendation from the ÖVP ethics council to prevent damage to the party. Officials cited the uncoordinated recording of conversations as a breach of trust and stated that Ruck's reported comments are incompatible with party values. Chancellor Christian Stocker is a member of the ÖVP leadership involved in the process. In a letter to the executive committee, Ruck expressed surprise at the exclusion, noting there are no legally relevant allegations against him. Despite the move, Ruck can formally remain President of the Economic Chamber and continue serving on Vienna state party committees through his membership in the Wirtschaftsbund.