Austria’s former chancellor Sebastian Kurz has had his conviction for giving false testimony overturned by an appeals court, lifting an eight-month suspended prison sentence and marking a significant legal and political victory.

The court's decision reverses a 2023 ruling that found Kurz guilty of perjury in connection with his testimony to a parliamentary committee. At the time, he was accused of downplaying his involvement in the appointment of executives at a newly-established state holding company while serving as chancellor.

Kurz had told lawmakers in 2020 that he was merely "informed" about the decisions, but the original trial judge concluded he played a more active role and convicted him of lying under oath. In his appeal, Kurz challenged the ruling, alleging judicial bias. On Monday, a three-judge panel found in his favor, declaring that the legal criteria for perjury had not been met and acquitted him.

Following the ruling, Kurz told reporters, "There have been numerous court hearings and accusations. You’ve all seen how much this has been publicized. Now, it has all collapsed."

Once a rising star in European conservative politics, Kurz resigned in 2021 amid multiple investigations and growing political pressure. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

While the acquittal clears a major legal obstacle, Kurz remains under investigation for separate corruption allegations. Prosecutors are still weighing whether to press charges related to accusations that he misused public funds to commission favorable opinion polls and buy positive media coverage.

Since stepping away from politics, the 38-year-old has launched a number of business ventures, most notably co-founding Dream, a cybersecurity firm, in 2023. The company includes high-profile partners such as the former head of NSO Group, developers of the controversial Pegasus spyware.

Kurz previously led Austria’s conservative People’s Party (ÖVP) to election victories in 2017 and 2019, largely on a tough anti-immigration platform. The ÖVP remains in power through a coalition with the Social Democrats and a liberal party, formed after elections in August 2024.

That election, however, was won by the far-right Freedom Party, which capitalized on voter dissatisfaction over economic concerns and migration. Despite topping the polls, the Freedom Party was unable to secure a governing coalition.

As for Kurz’s political future, he has yet to indicate any plans to return. However, with his legal troubles now partially behind him, speculation is likely to intensify.