Hoping for a new style – Sobotka: “I learned my lessons”

He tries his hand at self-reflection. A new discipline for the Speaker of Parliament. “I have learned my lessons,” says Wolfgang Sobotka 48 hours before the opening of parliament. With his move into the renovated house, he wants to open a new chapter in parliamentarism: the goal is more mutual respect, more consensus, more objective debate instead of destructive bickering.

The chairman of the National Council himself wants to set a good example. Sobotka, who received a lot of criticism from all sides because he went it alone, especially around the festive opening of parliament, wants to rely more on consensus in the Chamber in the future. “Maybe we should take more time during meetings to reach consensus. That automatically means less fighting.”

The new parliament has 1500 buildings
A first step towards less dissent was Sobotka’s decision to chair hardly any meetings in the University committee. Lately he has been represented very often. Sobotka also hopes that the 1,500 chambers of parliament, all of which look very dignified, will have an impact on the atmosphere in the house.

It will be exciting whether the MPs will heed this call or whether too much earth has already been burned.

Prepared for stings
The open days in Parliament will also be exciting. Because recently the climate stickers also wanted to start a protest at the New Year’s concert. Where, if not in Parliament, would be the right place for the protest. What to do if the climate stickers stick to the controversial golden wing? Who is then liable for the damage? “The perpetrator, of course. But we are prepared,” says the president.