As Austria prepares to appoint new leadership at the Supreme Administrative Court (VwGH), concerns mount over the potential for political influence in judicial appointments. In recent interviews, Bettina Knoetzl, our partner and Chair of Transparency International Austria, delivered an unambiguous and timely message:
"The judiciary must be independent of party politics."
Bettina advocates for a purely merit-based selection process – free from political alignment and influence. Her proposal includes a public call for applications using a standardized form, paving the way that no job description can be tailored to retro-fit a preferred candidate. A judicial selection committee would then assess all applicants and recommend the most qualified individual to the government, who would be required to complete the appointment of that candidate.
Such a system, she argues, would bring "far greater objectivity" and foster critical public confidence in the independence of the judiciary.
Read more in Bettina'si interview with Die Presse: Link
Listen to her Interview with Ö1 Mittagsjournal: Link
Watch her interview with Sinan Ersek for ZIB2: https://on.orf.at/video/14276884/zib-2-vom-22052025 (from minute 19:32)