“I think it is wrong to only talk about Poland and Hungary here,” he told German and French newspapers, according to the advance report. The rule of law and compliance with basic European values are crucial for the continued existence of the EU. But this must apply to all states. The NEOS reacted in horror.
Briefly spoke to the German Funke media group and the French newspaper “Ouest-France”. Over the past few years, the ÖVP boss has repeatedly criticized conditions in the European Union in various areas. He repeatedly complained about the supposed tendency to measure the member states with double standards. In an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung at the end of 2019, for example, he criticized a “partially existing Western arrogance” towards Eastern Europeans. “Anti-European ideas” exist not only in Eastern Europe, but also in the West, he said at the time.
Sharp criticism of the NEOS
It is completely inappropriate for the Chancellor to step into the breach for Poland and Hungary, commented NEOS spokesperson for Europe, Claudia Gamon: “With his statements, Kurz undermines the efforts of many member states to uphold the rule of law within the EU.” With his statements, the Chancellor is on the side of nationalist states, against which there are proceedings under Article 7 of the EU treaties for alleged disregard of EU fundamental values. “In doing so, he damages himself (…).”
