2024-01-28 06:20:38
Helmut Brandstätter, NEOS’s top candidate in the EU elections, wants to make Austrians aware of the advantages of the European Union during the election campaign. “The only way to be for Austria is to be for Europe,” emphasized the former journalist in the APA interview. The EU needs reforms, such as a common security and foreign policy. NEOS has set itself the goal of two mandates (2019: 1), which is also “very realistic”.
“Journalism is difficult, exciting, important, responsible – politics is even more difficult. That’s what I learned,” said the now member of the National Council. His participation in the Ibiza-U committee, visits to Ukraine and Brussels motivated him to continue in politics. “This is not said so clearly in Austria: What is decided in Europe is important for Austria. And we have the chance to have a say,” he said, justifying his candidacy. Even as a journalist, he was enthusiastic regarding the idea of Europe, and the European project is now at risk.
“If you listen to the right-wing extremists: They want to destroy everything that was built following the Second World War. And I feel the responsibility there,” said the 68-year-old, with a view to the future of his children. During the election campaign, sensible forces in other countries would also take action once morest this. “We will make it very clear what is at stake,” emphasized Brandstätter. A vote for right-wing extremists would endanger coexistence here in Austria.
For example, a fortress would lead Austria into poverty. The ÖVP and FPÖ had pushed them into energy dependence on Russia. When it comes to combating inflation and security, there is only one European way. Neutrality does not protect. Brandstätter was convinced that with the appropriate explanation, people would come to the conclusion “that it would be wiser to preserve this Europe, which we must, however, make better.”
“If something goes wrong, Brussels is always to blame,” is the government’s approach, according to Brandstätter. This results in the great EU skepticism of many in Austria. People have lost trust in politics “because they have been lied to too often – and please let’s stop that!” The Austrians deserve the truth: “We need Europe”, economically, militarily and in education. Everyone should have the opportunity to study in another country for a semester or a year, regardless of their parents’ pockets. “Education as the fifth freedom of the EU,” said Brandstätter.
The “United States of Europe” that the NEOS is striving for does not mean a central state, Brandstätter assured, and that is not the case in the USA either. “We urgently need a common foreign policy,” he said. While people still stuck together when it came to Ukraine, they now see the need in view of the Middle East conflict.
In addition, a common defense must be built. This is primarily regarding joint purchasing, exchanging information and sharing units. Austria is already participating in international associations, and this will be needed more for defense purposes in the future. He is happy that Austria is taking part in Sky Shield. “None of this violates neutrality,” emphasized Brandstätter.
For the election campaign, Brandstätter plans to “drive around a lot” throughout Austria and is looking forward to many encounters. With Anna Stürgkh, second on the list – “a young woman who will stand up to any television discussion” – they are a strong team.
Brandstätter was able to draw positive conclusions from a possible combination of the EU election date with the National Council election: it would then be possible to prove and explain even better that political work for Europe is work for Austria and vice versa. “We will force the others to say how important Europe is and no Kickl or Nehammer will be able to ignore it,” emphasized Brandstätter. Anyone who destroys Europe will destroy Austria, for example as a business location. Business people should finally stand up for this.
(The interview was conducted by Angelika Grabher-Hollenstein/APA)
1706425229
#Brandstätter #mandate #NEOS #elections
