After the chancellor’s visit to Moscow, the tone of Green MP Ewa Ernst-Dziedzic is much more mellow than it was a few days ago. Even though the meeting should have been held in neutral territory, in consultation with the EU and with more preparation, it was a “good and proper” attempt. Her parliamentary colleague Helmut Brandstätter (NEOS) saw it differently in the conversation with Katia Wagner…
Doris Vettermann, journalist for domestic politics at the “Krone”, also emphasizes that it is “legitimate” to exhaust all means to end this war. But, “‘It didn’t hurt’ was not the claim of this trip,” she clarifies. A day after the return, the “horror” continued, the killing did not stop and “the dying continues”. In addition, Putin was underestimated for “telling his story and lies” even without propaganda photos.
52 percent only want a weak position of Austria in the war
Opinion pollster Christoph Haselmayer explains that according to a survey by the IFDD Institute, 52 percent of Austrians want our country to have no or only a weak position in this war. If there were negative Russian consequences for Austria as a result of the encounter, it would be “massive damage” and “a real own goal”, according to the political pundit. Because given the failures of the past, we are “very heavily dependent on Russia”.
“A diplomatic conversation with Putin is not possible!”
Ewa Ernst-Dziedzic (Greens) also sees misbehavior in the past. That is why she appeals: “Let’s get rid of that naivety that we are dealing with a rational negotiating partner. A diplomatic conversation with a warmonger is not possible!” As a neutral country, however, Austria should use its status to mediate on an international and European level.
How neutral are we?
Brandstätter (NEOS) answers clearly: “Who should take Austria seriously?” He does not believe that Austria can mediate. Moreover, our neutrality is already “seriously limited” with our accession to the EU.
Apart from the NEOS, however, the parties are reluctant to say so, because: “Neutrality is a sacred cow and you don’t slaughter it,” says Doris Vettermann of the “Krone”. Opinion researcher Christoph Haselmayer argues for more honesty here: “We support the sanctions and therefore cannot act as a mediator”. He explains: “We are not neutral. We have to tell people the truth, even if it hurts.”
The conversation with Katia Wagner can be seen every Wednesday at 8:15 pm on krone.tv. Vote and join the discussion!
Source: Krone
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