FPÖ Demands Chancellor Nehammer Take Responsibility for Pandemic Handling

The FPÖ has launched a scathing attack on Chancellor Karl Nehammer, demanding he take responsibility for Austria’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. FPÖ General Secretary Michael Schnedlitz accused Nehammer of “inappropriate and reprehensible” statements, specifically regarding his recent comments about FPÖ federal party chairman Herbert Kickl’s unwillingness to “take responsibility for the victims of the corona pandemic and for those who suffer from Long Covid.”

Schnedlitz argued that the blame for pandemic-related suffering lies squarely with the black-green government, led by Nehammer. He claimed that the government’s “scaremongering” during the pandemic, as evidenced by published minutes, was politically motivated and detrimental to public health.

“This lousy scaremongering by the ÖVP and the Greens has driven numerous people to desperation. Among other things, many people no longer dared to go to the doctor or to the hospital,” Schnedlitz stated. He further suggested that “sensible forces” within the ÖVP should speak out against Nehammer, urging them to distance themselves from his leadership and call for his departure.

Schnedlitz’s comments highlight the deeply divisive political climate surrounding Austria’s pandemic response. The FPÖ has consistently criticized the government’s handling of the pandemic, arguing that lockdowns and other restrictions were overly stringent and harmful to the economy. They have also accused the government of using the pandemic for political gain.

Nehammer, for his part, has defended the government’s actions, arguing that they were necessary to protect public health. He has also asserted that the FPÖ’s criticism is politically motivated and lacks substance.

The public debate surrounding the pandemic and its consequences is likely to remain heated in the coming months and years. As Austria grapples with the long-term effects of the pandemic, both political and societal, the question of responsibility and accountability will continue to be a source of contention.

How has public opinion in Austria been shaped​ by the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic?

## FPÖ Turns Up Heat on Chancellor Nehammer: A⁤ Pandemic Blame Game

**Host:** Welcome ‍back to⁤ the⁤ program. Austria’s upcoming election is heating up, and today we’re focusing on a particularly fierce attack launched ​by the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) ‌against Chancellor Karl Nehammer. They’re demanding ⁣he take⁤ responsibility for Austria’s handling of‍ the​ COVID-19 pandemic. Joining us to discuss⁢ this is⁣ Dr. Anya Schmidt, a political analyst specializing in Austrian politics. Dr. Schmidt, thanks ‌for being here.

**Dr. Schmidt:** My pleasure. ​I think the stakes are very high in this election and these accusations⁤ from the FPÖ are a sign of just ​how intensely they want ‍to win.

**Host:** Let’s break this down. What specifically are the FPÖ’s arguments against Chancellor Nehammer?

**Dr. Schmidt:** The FPÖ, through their General Secretary Michael Schnedlitz, has accused ⁤Chancellor Nehammer of making “inappropriate and⁣ reprehensible” statements regarding the ⁣pandemic ​ [[1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/28/europe/austria-election-far-right-fpo-intl/index.html)]. Although they haven’t elaborated on specific examples, it’s likely they’re pointing to Nehammer’s leadership during ​various​ lockdown measures and vaccination⁣ campaigns. The FPÖ has consistently opposed strict COVID-19 restrictions, arguing they were harmful to the economy⁢ and individual liberties.

**Host:** And how does this play‌ into the broader political landscape‍ of Austria right now?

**Dr. Schmidt:** The pandemic has undoubtedly left deep‍ scars on Austrian society, and public sentiment is divided on how the ⁤government handled the situation. The FPÖ is cleverly exploiting this division by positioning themselves as the voice of those who ⁢feel the government overstepped its bounds. This strategy could potentially resonate with voters who are disillusioned ⁢with the current government’s pandemic policies.

**Host:** Fascinating. Do you think this tactic could be successful for the FPÖ in the upcoming election?

**Dr. Schmidt:**⁢ It’s certainly a high-stakes gamble.⁣ While it could galvanize their base, it may alienate moderate voters who are‌ looking for a more unifying ⁤and pragmatic approach.

**Host:** Dr. Schmidt, thank you for shedding light on this complex political situation.

**Dr. Schmidt:** You’re welcome.