It was one of the rare moments in parliament where the applause increased as the time of speech increased. The FPÖ had requested a “Current Hour” on ORF. FP boss Herbert Kickl called the new ORF budget levy a “mass fine” and promised to abolish it as chancellor. He also criticized the ORF’s lack of objectivity.
The wonderful world of Herbert Kickl
Shortly followingwards, SP club boss Philip Kucher took the lectern. “In the wonderful world of Herbert Kickl there is no longer any media apart from FPÖ-TV,” he joked. He read out critical questions from FPÖ TV such as “What is the secret of your success, Herbert Kickl?” The members of the ÖVP, Greens and Neos began to applaud and loud laughter might be heard. Finally, he reminded Kickl that he had received 10,000 euros per month for three years as FP general secretary in addition to his mandate. The fact is known because independent media have shown it, said Kucher to great applause. The speech to watch:
FP General Secretary Christian Hafenecker, who succeeded Kucher, was somewhat taken aback and spoke of a Villach carnival speech. The SPÖ and FPÖ pursued the same goal on this plenary day. Both parties submitted a request for a new election, but there was no majority.
Instead, Green Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler and EU Minister Karoline Edtstadler (VP) confirmed following the Council of Ministers that they wanted to complete the legislative period until the end in September. The government program means that “we also hack something,” said Kogler. Edtstadler also explained that the time that is still available will be used intensively.
Freedom of information fixed
The two were able to celebrate in Parliament on Wednesday the passing of a law that had been unsuccessfully negotiated for many years. Official secrecy will be abolished in September 2025 following 100 years and citizens will have the right to information. The state is becoming more transparent. In future, public bodies will have to publish information of general interest such as reports, studies and contracts on their own initiative. State-affiliated companies are also obliged to be transparent.
The ÖVP and the Greens also thanked the SPÖ. Without their consent, the law might not have been passed with the necessary two-thirds majority.
The EU election campaign was also launched in parliament. The EU parliamentarians Othmar Karas (he is no longer running for the ÖVP), Evelyn Regner (SP), Harald Vilimsky (FP) and Monika Vana (Greens) as well as the EU top candidates Reinhold Lopatka (VP) spoke in the European debate. and Helmut Brandstätter (Neos). The main focus was on European security policy and Russia’s influence. Vilimsky accused the federal government of EU sanctions once morest Russia. Brandstätter countered: Kickl wanted to hand Austria over to Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
Author
Annette Gantner
Internal politics editor
Annette Gantner
