Viennese Spanish School Faces Escalating Controversy
The Vienna Spanish Riding School, a centuries-old institution founded in 1565 and known for its preservation of classical equestrian art and breeding of Lipizzaner horses, is currently navigating a challenging and turbulent period.
The turbulence began with the dismissal of General Director Alfred Hudler, following internal investigations and external audits. The dismissal was due to serious irregularities in financial management, including mismanagement suspicions filed by the Ministry of Agriculture in July. The investigations revealed approximately 700,000 euros in unrecorded and unpaid invoices, interpreted as an attempt to conceal liquidity difficulties.
Hudler, who has denied the accusations, reaffirmed his presumption of innocence. The Public Prosecutor's Office continues its investigation into Hudler's responsibilities.
The financial situation of the school is said to be alarming, with outstanding payments and threats of enforcement not uncommon. In an effort to address these issues, the Ministry allocated two million euros, exclusively for investments, to the Vienna Spanish Riding School in June. The use of these funds will also be subject to new audits.
In light of these circumstances, Maria Patek, a 65-year-old with administrative experience at the Ministry of Agriculture and Minister of Sustainability and Tourism in the Bierlein government, has been appointed as the interim general director of the Vienna Spanish Riding School. The position of general director will be filled through a public hiring process according to the Public Employment Act.
The supervisory board, chaired by Martin Winkler, found that Hudler had not adequately supervised the financial department and had not implemented an internal control system (IKS), as required. A legal assessment has confirmed the legitimacy of Hudler's dismissal.
Despite reporting losses in recent years, the school managed a modest operating surplus of 839.53 euros in 2024. The acting General Director of the Vienna Spanish Riding School after the departure of Alfred Hudler is not explicitly stated in the provided search results.
Minister of Agriculture Norbert Totschnig has given his full support to Patek's appointment, emphasising the importance of continuity and the preservation of the school's rich heritage. The Vienna Spanish Riding School looks forward to a new chapter under Patek's leadership.
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