Chancellor Karl Nehammer spoke to the “Krone” about the scorched earth in politics, mobile phone calls, encouragement and inflation.
“Kron”: Mr Chancellor, which headline would you have liked to avoid this year and which would be your favorite for next year?
Nehammer: I could actually do without the inflation that affects us all, whether it’s just in the headlines or in real life. Overall, I would like to see more positive headlines for the coming year that are encouraging and also showcase our country’s strengths.
“Believe in this Austria” – words of Leopold Figl, whom you describe as your political role model, in the famous post-war Christmas speech of 1945. Will we emerge from the many crises?
Certainly. Precisely because our Austria is much better than is sometimes portrayed. People are capable of achieving great things and their excellence makes us a world leader in many areas. The many volunteers and their efforts show that we are there for each other when it really counts. The bond, the cohesion, is what we can build on. This makes our country so strong and great.
The fourth year since the motto ‘The best of both worlds’ proclaimed under your predecessor Chancellor Sebastian Kurz is coming to an end. Even though the election campaign is starting slowly, can we still expect anything from turquoise green?
There is plenty to do. We have set the course for many measures that now need to be brought to life. We will expand childcare, continue the fight against inflation, implement healthcare reforms and continue to take consistent action against illegal migration.
You have the impression that aggressiveness on social media has become part of everyday life. Also in politics. Now the SPÖ and FPÖ want to work together to shed light on super-rich people close to the ÖVP and the People’s Party on “red-blue swamps” in U committees in the super election year. Wouldn’t that leave a scorched earth?
You see that the extremes are getting louder. In general, the radical fringes are becoming stronger, leading to a generally heated atmosphere and increasingly heated political debates. I guess it depends on how you choose the words. ‘The tongue is sometimes sharper than the sword’ is an ancient Greek saying. This is essentially a mandate for all political forces: if we want to preserve and improve democracy, politicians of all stripes must also consider what they can contribute to it. The ever-increasing radicalization and slide to the margins is not good for the debate culture.
You describe FPÖ leader Kickl as a security risk. When was the last time you spoke to him?
Even though I personally have a different opinion about him, there are situations in which, as Chancellor, I inform all club presidents – including Kickl, of course – about current events, as was the case at the beginning of the Russian war of aggression.
Chats have already toppled a government in Austria. The Supreme Court has now declared the previous practice of confiscating mobile phones unconstitutional. Do you welcome this decision?
Yes. It shows that a change in the law is needed quickly. Constitutional Minister Edtstadler is prepared to start negotiations immediately.
Is there actually a government chat group like Turquoise-Blue?
We meet in person regularly, which is my favorite thing to do.
How did you spend Christmas, how are you going to spend New Year’s – or is there never a break in politics?
I have decided to spend a few days of reflection with the family and with my dog Fanny at home. At Christmas and New Year we maintain traditional customs, as many people in Austria like to do. Naturally, as Chancellor, you are always available.
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.
