The FPÖ has chosen one of its favorite topics – the ORF – for its “Current Hour” in the National Council. Party leader Herbert Kickl used this for the election campaign and promised as chancellor to abolish the budget levy. The political competition then accused Kickl of spreading ‘propaganda’ on his own TV channel.
The budget levy would be used to collect money from citizens suffering from “price increases”, and it would also be a “mass fine” for young people who would not use the ORF, Kickl said during the debate entitled “Objectivity and information in place of ORF tax, ORF head salaries “and indoctrination.” He also accused the ORF of a lack of objectivity and independence, and of propaganda against his party.
Counterattack from Minister Raab
Media Minister Susanne Raab (ÖVP) then launched a counterattack. Kickl not only has no interest in public broadcasting, but also in private media, as the FPÖ has set up its own channels. The PVV would like to see a mainstream that is determined by their own views.
Journalists are not there to make politicians happy, said SPÖ club leader Philip Kucher, who read out some uncritical questions to FPÖ politicians to applause and loud laughter on FPÖ TV. Drawing up “wanted lists” of political opponents and insulting journalists is moving the FPÖ towards Hungary, he said, referring to Kickl’s statements. The FPÖ’s role model is Orban, who converted the public broadcaster into a state broadcaster, said Green club leader Sigrid Maurer.
Maurer: “Duty” to strengthen free media
With the new ORF law that came into effect on January 1, Austrians now have to pay less for the ORF, Raab said. She pointed out that many federal states no longer collect state taxes. The ORF has also been made more transparent and has been given the opportunity to produce content ‘online first’. It is a “democratic duty” to strengthen the independence of the free media, Maurer said. She spoke out against the FPÖ’s desired budget financing for the ORF. By doing this, the FPÖ, if it were to be part of a government, would want to make this subject to its discretionary power.
For NEOS boss Beate Meinl-Reisinger, the ORF still suffers from too much influence from the parties. She referred to circles of friends of the parties on the board and side letters about staff appointments. She also did not want to accept that “the FPÖ of all people” was positioning itself as the “guarantor of independent, honest information”.
The official secret is sealed
After the “Current Hour”, a “Europe Hour” will be organized by the ÖVP with the topic “Security for Austria”. However, the main topic of the first plenary meeting of the new year is the end of official secrecy. The Freedom of Information Act imposes an obligation on public bodies to provide information. The agenda also includes two motions for new elections, one from the FPÖ and one from the Social Democrats. There is no majority in sight for this.
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.
