After FPÖ Regulars' Meeting Recording: This is How the ÖVP Reacts

"We are bemused by the statements of the FPÖ politicians who openly wish to leave the European Community," the ÖVP responded to an APA inquiry on Wednesday. "For us it is clear: A possible government programme must be clearly pro-European. There needs to be a clear commitment that Austria remains a reliable and constructive part of the European Union. There will be no 'Öxit' with us," the written statement said.

After FPÖ Regulars' Recording: Hafenecker Against "Pettiness"

Hafenecker tried to smooth the waters in light of the ongoing coalition negotiations, especially regarding the statements about the People's Party. He was confident that similar comments would probably be made at meetings of ÖVP politicians. "That there are statements made in a familiar round, I can't blame anyone for that," he said. "The same happens with the ÖVP." It was important for all parties not to torpedo the government project, he spoke out against "pettiness".

The "Standard" had previously reported on the statements made by Stefan and Tschank at an FPÖ regulars' meeting in Vienna-Simmering last week. The event took place on January 8 - the same day the ÖVP announced it would accept the Blues' invitation to discuss a joint government. The conversations were secretly recorded by journalists from the public broadcaster France Télévisions, according to "Standard", which also published part of the audio recording.

FPÖ Deputies Lashed Out at ÖVP and EU During FPÖ Regulars' Recording

The ÖVP should "actually be equipped with a government ban and sent to the opposition bench," Tschank reportedly said according to the daily newspaper. However, the People's Party is "power-hungry" and wants to stay in its positions, so one could show them "that we are the stronger party, that we can enforce our content." The deputies also turned against the EU: An EU exit for Austria is not a "real option" according to Stefan, despite alleged surveillance measures and restrictions on freedom of speech in the EU. However, one must "join forces with others and resist."

Harsh words were also directed at migrants. In Afghanistan, if one behaves "stupidly" in a city, they are sent "to the countryside," Stefan is quoted as saying. "There are regional tribal chiefs there. And they have it somewhat under control." If someone still does not "behave," they are sent to Europe - according to Stefan, we only receive the "scum of the earth" here. The FPÖ deputies also talked about it being worthwhile to offer the Taliban money to take back refugees. International treaties such as the European Convention on Human Rights should either be completely abolished or supplemented, says Tschank.

Vienna's FPÖ Chief Nepp Insults Standard as "Rag"

The FPÖ club's press office said to the "Standard" that the statements made at the regulars' table were somewhat exaggerated. The audience could correctly classify the statements and stylistic devices of such. They also referred to the daily reporting on crime and EU legislation, which would meet with incomprehension among the population.

The state party secretary of the FPÖ Vienna, Lukas Brucker, criticized the secret recordings. "If left-wing media were to support illegal Stasi methods by using the material, this would be the absolute low point of journalism in this country and would have to have serious consequences." Vienna's FPÖ chairman Dominik Nepp was also obviously not pleased with the daily newspaper's report. "5 good years, when it's finally over with this 'rag'," he wrote in reference to the FPÖ's national election campaign on X, followed by the hashtag "#presssupportonlyforrealqualitymedia".

Criticism from SPÖ and Greens After FPÖ Regulars' Table Recording

Sharp criticism of the Freedom Party came from the SPÖ and the Greens. SPÖ Federal Managing Director Klaus Seltenheim said that the FPÖ shows "its true face, dripping with hate and aggression," when it feels unobserved. FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl and ÖVP leader Christian Stocker must now take a clear stand. Criticism also came from Green Federal Spokesman Werner Kogler, who accused the FPÖ, among other things, of aiming to drive Austria out of the EU. The ÖVP, as the original 'European party,' must make clear what it intends to do.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.