After Sweden and Finland quickly move towards NATO, ÖVP security spokesman Christian Stocker makes it clear in a conversation with Katia Wagner that neutrality is not in question. Even the war in Ukraine would not change this statement. His former party colleague Michael Ikrath, once spokesman for the black judiciary, sees it differently: “Neutrality is made into a sacred cow that you are not allowed to touch. And that is wrong!”
That is why former MP Ikrath, together with other experts, politicians and celebrities, signed the open letter to the Federal President, which calls for a broad and open discussion about our security policy. The letter’s second supporter, Velina Tchakarova, agrees: “This doesn’t mean we should join NATO, just that there should be discussion!”.
Greens: no to NATO connection
Defense spokesman for the Greens, David Stögmüller, also supports the point that we need to talk about the changing threat situation in the world and its consequences. However, he also sees our neutrality as an opportunity: “We also need neutral states in Europe.” More than that, “Austria should not join NATO” because he was annoyed that the military alliance was not concerned about the threat from China either.
Stocker: ‘Chancellor has taken a clear position’
The ÖVP’s representative in the group, Christian Stocker, does not see the chancellor’s statement that Austria was, is and will remain neutral as a way of brushing off the debate. He welcomes the clear position taken by Karl Nehammer on this matter. The fact that Finland and Sweden now want to join NATO does not affect Austria because of the different threat situation. If he has his way, we must first make do with the tools at our disposal, such as the duty to render aid.
Broken army and freerider mentality
Ikrath’s assessment of our security policies looks grim. “When it comes to neutrality, we have a freerider mentality and currently an army that cannot defend us.” That is dangerous, says the ex-politician. The director of the Institute for European and Security Policy, Velina Tchakarova, also warns: “The Austrians believe in a neutrality that no longer exists.” The military had been saved for years, so our neutrality was just more “mentality” than reality.
Grin for green dedication to Birkenstocks
There is a consensus that the military needs more resources. “1.5% of gross domestic product is the target,” Stocker promises. Stögmüller adds: “We must be able to defend ourselves”. He finds it not surprising that this realization comes from a green politician, because: “We are not just environmental protesters wearing Birkenstocks”. The group smiles.
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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