“The main difference from the previous summer seasons is that we have enough vaccine and a large part of the population is vaccinated,” said Schallenberg to the newspapers of the Funke media group (Wednesday editions). However, Schallenberg did not want to set a date for the lifting of the corona restrictions. “We’re all fed up with the pandemic and hope for more easing soon. But I’ve become very cautious about naming a specific date,” said Schallenberg. “The virus has taught us better again and again.”
“Holidays in Austria are safe”
Schallenberg gave a positive assessment of the course of the ski season so far. “The number of infections in Austria is still high, but thank God the intensive care units are not overloaded,” emphasized the Foreign Minister. “Holidays in Austria are safe, the companies have committed themselves to comprehensive safety precautions, there is also a very low-threshold test offer in Austria. Companies that do not comply with the safety measures have to pay back the Corona aid.”
Schallenberg reinforced considerations of abolishing the general corona vaccination requirement, which only came into force at the beginning of February. “Such interventions can only be carried out if they are also proportionate. We cannot and we will not limit civil rights in reserve,” he said. “The law stipulates that the vaccination requirement is constantly evaluated by experts. We must remain just as flexible as the virus – and will revoke the vaccination requirement when it is no longer necessary.”
No brief return to politics
However, Schallenberg did not expect former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) to return to politics. “At the moment, my impression is that he is clearly breaking new ground in the private sector,” the former Kurz ally told the Funke newspapers.
Schallenberg, who was chancellor himself for 52 days after Kurz’s resignation, considers Kurz’s achievements to be undervalued. “He left a big mark on Austrian and European politics. Sebastian Kurz has contributed to Austria’s gaining visibility and profile,” postulated the Foreign Minister. “Maybe you need a little more time to really judge your performance.”
Kurz resigned as head of government last October after allegations of infidelity, bribery and corruption, and almost two months later he announced his complete retirement from politics. According to reports, Kurz then hired the conservative US investor Peter Thiel.
Source: Nachrichten