"Dear colleagues, we have a problem"

2023-05-11 08:56:00

The 16th session of the state parliament began Thursday morning with a question for the state governor. And a sensitive topic: the Linz Digital University, also known as the Institute of Digital Sciences Austria (IDSA). Will Thomas Stelzer (VP) advocate an adjustment to the rather ambitious schedule – the first studies at the digital university are to start in the fall – asked SP MP Doris Margreiter. After all, there are still no curricula, no professorships and the founding president is more than controversial.

The country is doing its job, said Stelzer. One is responsible for the construction of the university building, which should happen from 2023 to 2036. “Our work can be implemented,” said the governor. “Now the university itself and the Ministry of Science are responsible.” All those involved would “confirm” a start in the fall, Stelzer is optimistic.

The favorite topic

His deputy Christine Haberlander (VP) was a little later: the question to her was answered in a few seconds. “In which media is the country currently for the Covid vaccination,” said MFG MP Dagmar Häusler on her party’s favorite topic. “Currently in none,” Haberlander was monosyllabic.

“Will there be corrections for incorrect information about vaccination that is known afterwards,” added Häusler. And again, the health officer’s response was brief: “I’m not aware of any misinformation.” And the request was done.

If the opposition agrees

The SPÖ, the Greens, Neos and the MFG are united by one concern: they are calling for the “soonest possible holding of a public symposium on the development of democracy in Upper Austria”, to which experts should be invited. For some time now, the four parties have been pushing for an abolition of the proportional representation system in the state government and for more control rights for the state parliament. Whether they will be successful this time remains to be seen.

Roses for Wolfgang Stanek

The “Parliament on Tour” is currently taking place on the main square. “That fits particularly well today, says Greens chairman Severin Mayr. “We know how the mood in the population has changed. Dear colleagues, we have a problem.” The opposition also agreed that the former President of the Landtag, Wolfgang Stanek (VP), had done a great job I really want to thank Wolfgang Stanek,” says Tobias Höglinger (SPÖ). He has initiated a process towards more lively and active democracy. But more needs to be done. That’s why a symposium is needed.

And another dig at the FPÖ: Parliament has set up an exhibition on the main square. “You can take a look at that, you’ll learn something there,” says Höglinger. “We need a lot in Austria, but certainly no Orbanization.” FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl had demanded such a move on May 1st on Linz’s main square. Neos club chairman Felix Eypeltauer swore to joint modernization work. And he also praised Stanek’s work.

MFG chairman Joachim Aigner wants to create an “Austria suitable for grandchildren”. This requires more transparency, more open democracy and an opening.

“You just wanted to get rid of the proportion”

FPÖ club chairman Herwig Mahr broke down the opposition’s initiative with one argument: “You just want to have proportional representation gone. And change political change.” “Now read the whole application” – an interjection.

“You’re also making it too easy for yourself by blaming the system for your descent,” says Mahr. “Look for the fault in you.” “What’s that supposed to mean? That’s not true again” – and another heckling. The SPÖ was a “proud party”, now it’s just a construction site, a disappointment.

“What kind of cheek is that?” – Which party direction did this call come from?

Application rejected

Democracy is a valuable asset that has to be maintained again and again, said ÖVP club chairman Christian Dörfel. In Upper Austria they pay a lot of attention to it. Despite the unrest that broke out, Dörfel remained calm. “Solving problems creates trust,” says Dörfel. That will also be shown today. “Today we are making decisions on how to reduce energy costs and how to protect our population.” Dörfel is so sure because the FPÖ will support the motions, so the majority is there. There was no majority on the opposition motion: the motion for a symposium was rejected.