AUSTRIAN POLITICAL SCANDALS: «KURTZ AFFAIR»

The article focuses on the political biography of Sebastian Kurz, who held the post of Federal Chancellor of Austria till autumn of 2021. He is being accused of abuse of power in order to achieve political goals. In Europe Kurz was considered to be one of the most promising politics, who came all the way to the top over the decade – a stellar career path, which would require entire political lifetimes for others to cross. Without higher education degree he over the few years rose from the position of a mere activist of youth movement of Austrian’s People’s Party to the role of the party leader. At the age of 27 he took up the post of Foreign Minister, and aged 31 he reached the top of the national politic as the Federal Austrian Chancellor. During the second decade of the XXI century Kurz used to be one of the interlocutors of the European and world leaders and one of the main officials in EU.

Politicians Gone Wild: A Comparative Analysis of Political Scandals in New Zealand, The United States and France

<p>The place of political scandals in the academic literature is contentious; scandals are commonly dismissed as distractions from the ‘real issues’ in a society. This thesis challenges that notion, instead arguing that political scandals are an important phenomenon in functioning democracies. Through a comparative lens, political transgressions since the year 2000 that have occurred in three liberal democracies, New Zealand, the United States and France, have been analysed. Transgressions by political actors in these jurisdictions of a sexual, financial and power nature have been applied to previously established frameworks. Observations about the political culture of these countries have been made as a result of this analysis. Four existing theories on the significance of political scandal – the functionalist theory of scandal, the no consequence theory, the trivialisation theory and social theory – were also tested. The social theory of scandal is concluded to be the most applicable to the case studies assessed. The social theory of scandal argues that political scandals can foster cultures of debate and criticism which is important to functioning democracies; however, political scandals of a large magnitude or high frequency can damage the public’s perception of political actors and institutions. This analysis therefore serves as evidence that political scandals are not frivolous occurrences but instead are important indicators of societal values and can have important and lasting consequences. This thesis also considers political scandals in broader historical and cultural contexts, drawing attention to the pervasiveness of scandal as a topic of academic and public interest.</p>

Politicians Gone Wild: A Comparative Analysis of Political Scandals in New Zealand, The United States and France

<p>The place of political scandals in the academic literature is contentious; scandals are commonly dismissed as distractions from the ‘real issues’ in a society. This thesis challenges that notion, instead arguing that political scandals are an important phenomenon in functioning democracies. Through a comparative lens, political transgressions since the year 2000 that have occurred in three liberal democracies, New Zealand, the United States and France, have been analysed. Transgressions by political actors in these jurisdictions of a sexual, financial and power nature have been applied to previously established frameworks. Observations about the political culture of these countries have been made as a result of this analysis. Four existing theories on the significance of political scandal – the functionalist theory of scandal, the no consequence theory, the trivialisation theory and social theory – were also tested. The social theory of scandal is concluded to be the most applicable to the case studies assessed. The social theory of scandal argues that political scandals can foster cultures of debate and criticism which is important to functioning democracies; however, political scandals of a large magnitude or high frequency can damage the public’s perception of political actors and institutions. This analysis therefore serves as evidence that political scandals are not frivolous occurrences but instead are important indicators of societal values and can have important and lasting consequences. This thesis also considers political scandals in broader historical and cultural contexts, drawing attention to the pervasiveness of scandal as a topic of academic and public interest.</p>

Ukrainian leadership buffeted by crises but surviving

Significance He failed to say whether there was still a conflict of interest through dividend payments to his family. This adds to Zelensky's public relations problems, which involve chronic challenges relating to the economy, COVID-19, corruption and the conflict in eastern regions. Impacts Former Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev's comment that Ukraine's leaders are not even worth talking to signals a harsher stance. Political scandals will do nothing to improve Ukraine's image abroad but are unlikely to affect strategic relations with Western partners. If Zelensky's personal ratings remain high and stable through the winter months, he may be tempted to call an early presidential election. If household energy prices are kept at present levels, the cost of subsidies will exacerbate budget financing pressures.

Afery polityczne w Republice Federalnej Niemiec. Przebieg, aktorzy, skutki

A comprehensive study analysing the problem of political scandals in FRG from the political, historical, sociological and media perspective. The publication pinpoints the causes and the consequences of political scandals in the country established as a mature democracy with a well-functioning civil society. It analyses the influence such scandals exert on the political scene and stability in the country and shows the dynamics of political careers, linked to the mechanisms of scandalizing inappropriate behaviour of those participating in political life.