Overview
- The person, now registered as Waltraud Gerhard Piranty, changed legal gender shortly before a three‑month sentence for trading forged silver coins.
- The Federal Criminal Office has launched an investigation into suspected social‑benefits fraud, and the Interior Ministry says arbitrary gender changes are not permitted.
- The Vienna Magistrate was directed to examine whether the psychiatrist’s report enabling the change was an improper favor certificate.
- The pensions agency sent a notice indicating possible retirement at 61 after the change but says the actual eligibility will be reassessed at the pension date.
- Debate has intensified across parties, while government ministries and legal experts argue existing rules allow case‑by‑case reviews without new legislation; prison placement remains a case decision after the person declined electronic monitoring.