The SP also takes the initiative, but only wants to express its distrust, Finance Minister Gernot Blmel (VP). Neos, on the other hand, will not propose their own motion of censure, but a media transparency package.
Every VP minister in the government is part of the turquoise system, FP boss Herbert Kickl justified the all-encompassing motion of no confidence in a press conference. Another reason: just a few days ago, the turquoise government members would have signed a declaration that they would leave if the then Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz withdrew.
Kickl justified the motion of censure against the green members of the government by saying that they were the turquoise “System” continue by toleration. The liberal ones also plan further applications, including one “Stop the advertising regime of the turquoise system” as well as the state corona financing agency COFAG.
Red motion against Blmel
The SP’s possible motion of censure, which is only intended to be directed against Blmel, is less comprehensive. A corresponding initiative is highly likely, said the deputy club boss Jrg Leichtfried.
One is already fixed “Urgent request” and this will be addressed to the finance minister the day before his budget speech: “He is now the top representative of the Kurz system in the government, Kurz’s closest political confidante. And his ministry was also the scene of the alleged corruption.”
Leichtfried believes that the Kurz system will exist anyway. The pressure, “that we built”, led to VP Kurz not being able to stand as Chancellor. The People’s Party did not want to give up government power after 35 years: “That is why Kurz was sacrificed as Chancellor”. But Leichtfried suspects he will be the shadow chancellor as club chairman and continue to pull the strings and try to hinder the investigation.
Neos with media transparency package
The Neos want to end advertising corruption in Austria with their media transparency package. This includes, for example, an upper limit for public advertising. In return, the press funding is to be increased, according to party leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger: “With very clear criteria for advertisements.” In addition, a media competence center is to be set up to check the award.
“We want to shake hands with all constructive forces”, says Meinl-Reisinger: “Austria needs a fresh start.” People wouldn’t understand “if we go back to business tomorrow”. This also requires tabula rasa for those positions that are occupied by Kurz’s confidants. As an example, Meinl-Reisinger picked out the media officer in the Chancellery, Gerald Fleischmann, whose resignation became known immediately after the Neos-PK.
Although the government crisis “for now” is over, the sword of Damocles is hovering over the turquoise-green government, said Meinl-Reisinger, who nevertheless does not want a new election. Tomorrow the Neos will not bring in their own motion of censure, but the pink ones want to support the one announced by the SP against Blmel. This is only a continuation of the previous line.
