“Put it on the table” – Meinl-Reisinger calls for a security strategy

In the latter case, the government must finally “put the gas supply contracts between OMV and Russia’s Gazprom on the table,” Meinl-Reisinger demanded in the ORF press hour. In addition, a law is needed that creates the basis for terminating contracts.

“In Austria people pay four times more for gas than in other countries,” argued the NEOS boss, who sees an “obligation on the part of the government” to “create clarity here about what is in the contract.” It is ‘understandable’ that OMV does not cancel the contracts, but that the government does not. Meinl-Reisinger does not see any risk for end customers if they opt out.

Discuss neutrality
The NEOS boss considers it a “scandal” that there is still no safety doctrine on the table. Without this, all purchases by the federal military would be haphazard. ‘We give the reins to the horse from behind.’ She believes that Austria’s planned participation in the European air defense system Sky Shield is ‘right’.

Meinl-Reisinger also wants to discuss neutrality ‘openly and honestly’. This has already changed as a result of joining the EU. “We are obliged to provide assistance.” A good security strategy is needed, which will be negotiated in parliament – also with the FPÖ. If the NEOS has its way, citizens must also be involved in the process, for example in a citizens’ meeting. “It’s just fair to say we need to have a debate about what we mean by that.”

“Mission 40 percent”
Meinl-Reisinger emphasized once again that the government is also failing to reduce tax and premium rates. That is why NEOS is now launching the ‘Mission 40 percent’ with the aim of reducing tax and premium rates to 40 percent, including dialogue sessions with citizens and entrepreneurs. It’s not just about talking, it’s also about performing. “We make suggestions on how we can reduce the burden on the labor factor.”

In the first instance judgment against ex-chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP), Meinl-Reisinger is not concerned about his false statement, but rather about the ‘system’ that has prevailed for years. Some would have seen the republic as a ‘self-service store’. The topics that were developed in the U-Committee were advertising and postal corruption. The parties did not act in the interests of the citizens, but in their own interests. As a result, there was a general “huge loss of confidence” in politics.

“Swear to Austria”
Meinl-Reisinger defended the ‘oath to Austria’ she had taken for new citizens. This is related to the discussion about the dominant culture and the question of ‘what we actually expect as a society’, the NEOS boss argues.