Margarete Kriz-Zwittkovits, Vice President of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, has publicly defended President Walter Ruck against allegations of inappropriate behavior. Reports had circulated regarding “flippant statements” made by Ruck, but Kriz-Zwittkovits asserts these claims are untrue. She specifically stated that Ruck’s decision to withdraw from a candidacy in Döbling was entirely voluntary. This statement appears to be a direct response to a campaign attempting to discredit Ruck. Kriz-Zwittkovits’ backing aims to counter the negative publicity surrounding the accusations. The situation highlights internal dynamics within the Vienna Chamber of Commerce and the scrutiny faced by its leadership. It remains to be seen if this defense will quell the controversy.