The debate on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) launched by ÖVP club chairman August Wöginger has also occupied the National Council. On Tuesday, the SPÖ submitted a motion for a resolution calling on the federal government to “fully” commit itself to the ECHR and to “vehemently advocate the unchanged validity of the same”.
The motion was voted on in plenary tonight and was adopted by an overwhelming majority. In addition to SPÖ, Greens and NEOS, the ÖVP also voted for the application. Wöginger himself also gave his approval in the vote. Resolutions primarily have a symbolic effect. They are not legally binding for the federal government.
debate for several days
In an interview with “Standard” last week, Wöginger spoke out in favor of revising the ECHR. He received support for this from most of the ÖVP state leaders.
Constitutional Minister Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP), on the other hand, called the ECHR “non-negotiable”. Wöginger’s party colleague and Vice President of the European Parliament, Othmar Karas, said the move made him “stunned”. Yesterday, Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) said that the debate initiated by Wöginger should be seen “much more broadly”.
Wöginger’s considerations met with little understanding from the Green coalition partner. Criticism also came from SPÖ and NEOS. The Burgenland governor Hans Peter Doskozil (SPÖ) called the debate a “shabby diversionary tactic”.