Sam Jones observes an Austrian political class riven by corruption (Outlook, May 19), while to David Kaufman (Letters, May 19) Vienna is the epitome of civilisation because the rich use public transport.

Can both pictures be true? Of course!

As in Die Fledermaus, when double-dealing, cynicism and deception are revealed, everyone pretends to be in on the joke and it all ends in revelry.

How else could Vienna maintain its place as the world’s most liveable city?

John Doherty
Vienna, Austria