National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka (ÖVP) was a guest on Thursday at a press conference in the ‘openly asked’ series at the Concordia press club. He spoke about various current political issues, including the controversial EU renaturation law.
In the ‘open questions’ format at the Concordia press club, journalists are allowed to ask questions and thus determine the topics themselves. Chairman of the National Council, Wolfgang Sobotka, was also clearly happy with this change from the classic press events.
“Free play of forces”
Sobotka views Climate Minister Leonore Gewessler’s solo approach to the EU renaturation law as a violation of the constitution. His colleague ignored the Constitutional Service’s assessment. However, he expressed relief that Chancellor Karl Nehammer did not end the coalition, saying a “free play of forces” would cost taxpayers billions.
What will happen after the National Council elections in the fall remains exciting. The Greens no longer seem to be an option for the ÖVP as a partner, and that also applies to the FPÖ under Herbert Kickl. There are regular verbal battles with the SPÖ.
Sobotka emphasized that a lot was said during the election campaign, but that a “certain level of tolerance” is needed after the elections. The outgoing chairman of the National Council also does not rule out an expert government, such as that under the recently deceased Brigitte Bierlein.
Successor of Sobotka
Sobotka also spoke about his successor and made it clear that it was a “custom” that the party with the highest number of votes appoints the chairman of the National Council, but not a law. If the FPÖ actually wins the elections, Norbert Hofer could be a possible successor. However, he ruled out Herbert Kickl for this position.
Regarding his withdrawal from parliament, Sobotka reiterated that this was his free decision. ÖVP boss Nehammer offered him a place on the federal list. But just as he decided to enter politics as a ‘self-determined’ person, he also wants to decide when his mandate ends.
Sobotka did not want to give any information about his future activities: “I will cross the bridge if there is one.” According to insiders, he will probably take over the chairmanship of the ÖVP party academy.
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.
