Van der Bellen warns: Not enough instruments against Putin’s disinformation

At the traditional New Year’s reception for the diplomats accredited in Vienna at the Hofburg on Thursday, the Austrian head of state admitted: “We don’t have enough instruments” to fight this. In addition to the Russian war against his ‘victim Ukraine’, he (Putin) is stirring up hatred against the West in his own country and trying to destabilize our democratic, liberal societies with disinformation in our countries.

And it turns out we’re not immune to these threats. We do not have enough instruments to counter the lies and distortions that are flooding our society, including on social media,” the concerned Federal President told the gathered diplomats. A tug of war seems to have begun over the heads of people and governments.

‘Divisions within societies are increasing’
In view of ongoing crises, such as the climate catastrophe and the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, but also the emergence of a ‘new world order’, Van der Bellen spoke in general about ‘interesting times – a term (…) that is not meant positively.” “Divisions within our societies and in international relations are increasing.”

Of course, fatalism is not a solution, Van der Bellen emphasized. “We need hope and determination.” And also: “We need partnerships, multilateralism – the European Union and the United Nations – and we need diplomacy.” – for the period 2027/28, the Head of State noted.

Here the federal president has also built a bridge to Donald Trump’s return to the office of the US president at the beginning of this week: it is still unclear how the decisions of the new government in Washington will affect other countries, multilateralism, the world economy and the will influence the climate. protection. What is clear, however, is that the long-standing, thriving transatlantic relationship “remains an important pillar of Austrian and European politics.” He trusts that the alliance will continue based on respect, goodwill and shared values.

What about the FPÖ?
Van der Bellen also commented on Austrian domestic politics and explained to the ambassadors his approach to forming a government. “As you know, I did not take the decision lightly to task the FPÖ with forming a government,” Van der Bellen said. After the failure of the three-way talks between the ÖVP, SPÖ and the Greens and the withdrawal of Chancellor and ÖVP leader Karl Nehammer, a new picture emerged – “one in which the voices in the People’s Party, which previously supported the cooperation with the FPÖ under Mr. Kickl had ruled out, has become much calmer.

This opened a new path that was not there before. “My goal must be to have a stable government for the Republic of Austria.” Whatever the outcome of the coalition negotiations between the FPÖ and ÖVP, “I will continue to ensure that the principles and rules of our Constitution are properly observed and observed. . That is my task as Federal President (…),” Van der Bellen emphasized. He had already emphasized in his speech that Austria must and will remain a stable partner in the European Union.