There was a war of words between the Lower Austrian State Councilor Christoph Luisser (FP) and Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens), which ended with Rauch leaving the press conference early during the question and answer session.
Dispute over compensation for vaccination victims
The focus of the verbal exchange was Luisser’s criticism of the federal government’s “non-transparent” Corona policy, and Rauch’s decisive counterattack followed immediately. There was another topic of conflict with the Lower Austrian Corona funds and the ongoing support for clubs around the Corona denier Martin Rutter. Luisser said that he himself wanted compensation, that vaccination victims would be compensated and that he would “certainly not be dissuaded from this path.” It is sad “that there is a need for associations to assert this” and that the Minister of Health does not care regarding vaccination victims.
“Reached the point where my patience is running out”
Rauch then saw “the point where my patience has run out.” Before his early departure, the minister referred to the Vaccine Damage Act, which he would implement “to the letter”. Out of 20 million vaccinations, there are “counted 200 vaccination victims” who have been compensated. “I would like to ask you to finally stop with this propaganda that the corona vaccination has caused widespread damage. I reject that. It is devoid of any scientific basis,” said Rauch. To propagate such things is “not worthy” of a state councilor responsible for health. Rauch then left the room.
Im Video see the minister’s abrupt departure:
The verbal exchange of blows caused the waves to continue to rise in the followingmath. FPÖ General Secretary Michael Schnedlitz stated in a broadcast that Rauch had left the press conference early because he did not want to face “the completely justified criticism of him and the entire black-green federal government’s lack of guilt.” Health Minister Rauch repeated criticism via X (formerly Twitter) that had already been placed at the press event. “If the responsible state council supports such events, he is complicit. Vaccinations save lives,” was the conclusion of the Green politician.
Funding for Rutter’s association
The stumbling block is an association for vaccination victims led by Corona denier Rutter. According to media reports, the association based in Carinthia is said to have founded at least 24 branches in districts and statutory cities in Lower Austria. The fund supports a maximum of three projects per organization, each with up to 5,000 euros. It was advertised that the events were “supported by the state of Lower Austria”. The state has now requested that state logos not be used. A disciplinary complaint was filed once morest a general practitioner who made controversial statements at a club event in the Mödling district in April. According to an online report from “profil”, the case is now “being examined” by the medical association.
According to previous information from the office of, several applications from clubs around Rutter were received Louis approved. No money has flowed yet. The final disbursement of the funding will only take place following a final check to ensure that all requirements are met and that there is no multiple funding, it said.
