In view of the Russian attack on Ukraine, the Greens have changed their stance on the federal army. Defense spokesman David Stögmüller pleaded in “Kurier” and “Presse” (Tuesday editions) for a resumption of the militia system – namely on “6 plus 3”, i.e. three months of militia exercises following the six-month military service. Stögmüller still rejects mandatory longer military service, he made clear to the APA.
The obligatory militia exercises – which are to be carried out over several years – were abolished in 2006 under the former Defense Minister and current Tyrolean Governor Günther Platter (ÖVP). In view of the Ukraine war, the resumption was discussed.
Against obligation
Stögmüller originally spoke out strictly once morest such an extension of basic military service – including the associated extension of civilian service. But shortly therefollowing, party leader Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler was ready to talk regarding the reintroduction of mandatory militia exercises.
However, Stögmüller still doesn’t think much of an obligation. In his opinion, “the militia exercises should be revived and expanded”, basic training must be made more attractive and the “6 plus 3” project must be prioritized so that enough conscripts report.
For investments in weapons systems
With Russia’s aggression once morest Ukraine, the military threat profile “changed substantially” – and neutrality required Austria’s “resilient and resilient armed forces” to be deployed that “can create a deterrent effect,” explained Stögmüller.
He is therefore also in favor of investing in a wide variety of weapon systems – anti-tank or other defensive systems – and thinks it is worth considering producing more tanks in Austria, for example.
Budget: Greens want to “level out” at Brunner
The Green military spokesman did not want to commit to the extent of the increase in the federal army budget. He can imagine that “we are more likely to level off with the Minister of Finance”. Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) has announced that the defense budget might increase from 0.62 to one percent of economic output from 2023 – i.e. by a good 1.6 billion euros.
The statement by Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) regarding the broad consensus of the parliamentary parties on the increase to 1.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2027 was immediately denied by them before the weekend.
