The top government makes listening to its flags. In his declaration to the National Council on Thursday afternoon, the new Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) also saw dialogue as the key to overcoming the current (corona) crisis. Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens) advocated treating the different or even divisive in such a way “that it does not leave us irreconcilable”.
The special session with the government statement was unusual in that the last one had taken place less than a month ago. Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) presented himself to the MPs as Chancellor. Now he returned to his quasi-traditional role as foreign minister on the government bench. Fashionable conspicuousness on the edge: The majority of the ÖVP government members used the old party color black for the mask.
The most important topic of Nehammer’s half-hour speech, which in itself spanned a broad framework from Europe to care to education and relief, was Corona, and he addressed himself personally to those who have previously waived a vaccination out of fear. “If they mistrust us as politicians, they also mistrust Telegram and Facebook groups, some of which are filled with content that can even be life-threatening,” asked the Chancellor.
Instead, Nehammer recommended turning to doctors with confidence: “If you then get vaccinated, the best thing about it is that we can all live in our freedom.” The VP chief defended the agreement on the end of the lockdown, which was sometimes scolded because of the regional differences. A “tailor-made network of strong ropes” has been woven. But because the virus is so insidious and threatens regions differently, countries have the right to go beyond the minimum level of protection.
After Nehammer had previously emphasized the trusting cooperation with the coalition partner, Kogler surprised a little with extra praise for the People’s Party. A crisis has just arisen, but then you have to manage to clear it up so quickly and, above all, in this form: “Express recognition is given for this.”
In any case, the Vice Chancellor spoke again against denouncing the political compromise. It is also about listening and exchanging ideas when you disagree. He stretched out his hand in the direction of parliament, social partnership, science and many more. However, when he mentioned that the demonstrations against the anti-corona measures had been infiltrated by neo-Nazis and neo-fascists, there was outrage from the liberal rows of seats. In terms of content, Kogler placed the greatest emphasis on the need to actually get the eco-social tax reform on track.
When the debate on the government declaration is over, a second major topic will be raised in the evening. The committee of inquiry brought in by the opposition through minority law is considered to be installed in the plenary session. It is intended to clarify allegations of corruption against members of the ÖVP government.
Source: Nachrichten
