Linz Brucknerhaus boss Kerschbaum may have to go

Dietmar Kerschbaum, the dismissed director of the Brucknerhaus, is under heavy scrutiny following a special audit by the Linz Audit Office. Mayor Klaus Luger (SPÖ) announced on Thursday that he wants to end cooperation with Kerschbaum "immediately," as the audit not only confirmed most allegations but uncovered additional issues. The audit office recommended informing the public prosecutor's office about some findings.

In March, shortly before the Brucknerhaus's 50th anniversary, allegations against Kerschbaum and LIVA's commercial director Rainer Stadler led to their dismissal by the LIVA supervisory board. Kerschbaum is accused of questionable self-dealing and outsourcing program design to an agent with conflicts of interest. His consulting firm's role and expense claims also raise concerns.

Luger commissioned the special audit, which revealed Kerschbaum's non-compliance with LIVA's procurement principles and compliance rules. The audit highlighted self-dealing with his wife and transactions with companies and associations linked to him. Based on these findings, the audit office recommended forwarding certain matters to the public prosecutor's office.

The Control Committee will review the audit report on Monday, and LIVA will decide on further actions at an extraordinary Supervisory Board meeting. Luger expressed disappointment and supported terminating Kerschbaum's employment immediately.