The last steps of the ÖVP-U commission will not be remembered as a great moment of Austrian parliamentarism. On Wednesday, the ÖVP boycotted a rulebook meeting to discuss further charges, the emergency meeting of party leaders on Thursday ended in chaos. Speaking requests afterward ranged from tight-lipped to frustrated, the shine of the newly reopened House of Representatives seems to have faded after less than a week.
The background is the desire to evoke the turquoise key figure Thomas Schmid again. The simple suggestion ended in attrition. Rules meeting on Wednesday to set the dates: torpedoed by the ÖVP, which was furious over an SPÖ report to the state prosecutor for economy and corruption. Informal meeting of the group leaders convened at short notice on Thursday to clear the way for another meeting of the rules: no deal (video above).
Final exit special presidents
Now a special president must be judged on Friday, to which the chairman of the National Council Wolfgang Sobota (ÖVP) has invited at short notice. It is more than questionable whether this can make any difference, since no legal summons is possible until the planned end of the committee on 1 February. A period of two weeks applies for this.
SPÖ: “Sobotka’s New Year’s resolutions are already broken”
The minority factions wanted one from Sobotka on Thursday, but were rejected. “We note that Sobotka’s New Year’s resolutions have already been violated,” SPÖ party leader Jan Krainer said, referring to statements by the chairman of the National Council that he wanted more self-criticism. After the meeting of the faction leaders, Krainer finds a “double game between Hanger and Sobotka”.
NEOS: “Utterly Destructive”
NEOS faction leader Stephanie Krisper described the ÖVP procedure as “entirely destructive”. She wrote off the U committee: “I hope for a fresh start in the next research committee, this one is over.” Like Krainer, “I don’t want to deal with this U committee anymore. We’re going to finish the report now.”
Greens: “Ego over enlightenment”
Green party leader Nina Tomaselli again criticized the coalition partner – without naming Hanger. “I am very sorry that some put their own ego before the Enlightenment,” she said simply. The Greens actually also see Sobotka as a challenge.
FPÖ wanted to boycott, but then came
Contrary to the initial announcements, the PVV did show up for the meeting of the group leaders. Group leader Christian Hafenecker, however, was represented by speakers on the committee.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
