Measures against Russia bring emotions with them. Inflation explodes. Should you catch Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin? Politicians are divided, experts warn of the consequences.
“It’s a historically dangerous situation,” Othmar Karas told Krone. The EU politician warns that you should not exchange a small political change here. Upper Austria Governor Thomas Stelzer (also ÖVP) recently thought aloud about a possible end of sanctions without necessity and pending state elections given inflation in the energy sector and dependence on Russian raw materials. For critics, pure populism.
“There must be no regression to nationalism. Such destabilization is the goal of Russian President Putin and co,” Karas continued. The EU must act together. “Anyone who says we would be better off without the sanctions is misjudging the situation. And throwing sand in people’s eyes.” Sanctions are the only weapon the EU has as a peace union. It is an effective punishment mechanism.
Inflation puts pressure on politicians
Karas, Vice-President of the EU Parliament, is pleased with the clear line of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sanctions remain and will be further developed. Styrian head of state Christopher Drexler (ÖVP) also agrees. Yet one thing is certain: the price hike in the energy sector affects 70 percent of the people, so more and more people want an end to the sanctions – currently more than 40 percent believe that the sanctions are not having the corresponding effect. The pro-Russian FPÖ in particular has been calling for an end to the sanctions for some time.
A dangerous game, according to not only Helmut Brandstätter of NEOS, but also Russia expert Gerhard Mangott. “If Mr Stelzer and others think the sanctions should be questioned because they harm the Austrian population more, it is capitulation to blackmail.” The professor from Innsbruck is convinced that Austria will continue to vote for sanctions. Although they have been interrogated again and again in Austria since 2014.
No “Hungarian Path” for Austria
“I don’t see any sort of Hungarian path for Austria,” Mangott says, referring to Viktor Orban’s path. The demand to end the sanctions is not only dubious, but it is “abhorrent to make domestic political changes here”. If Austria voted against sanctions, it would put you at a different disadvantage and stigmatize you as “Putin’s accomplice”. “Austria cannot afford that.”
Meanwhile, there are bizarre excesses on the lower floors. The German “Bild” headlined an exuberant Russian woman who praised Putin and made fun of Ukraine. Difficult admission requirements for Russians are being debated in Germany. Just to be sure, the lady is celebrating in Vienna.
Source: Krone
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