FPÖ uses Villach attack for attacks on Interior Minister Karner

"This attack could have been prevented," as the perpetrator had found protection in Austria as an asylum seeker, criticized FPÖ General Secretary Christian Hafenecker during an "urgent inquiry" to Karner at the National Council meeting on Wednesday. The asylum system has "become a serious security risk."

Reprimand for Hafenecker for attacks on Interior Minister Karner

It is also "shabby" of the Interior Minister to use this opportunity "as a pretext to enforce comprehensive surveillance for all citizens," said Hafenecker, receiving a reprimand from National Council President Walter Rosenkranz (FPÖ). Hafenecker also does not expect a solution to the problem of illegal migration from the future three-party coalition, "they will further exacerbate it," he said towards the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS.

Karner thanks emergency services after Villach attack and wants messenger surveillance

Karner rejected the accusation of authority failure and explicitly thanked the police officers who were on the scene within seven minutes, the Syrian who stopped the attacker with his car, as well as rescue workers, helping passersby, doctors, crisis intervention teams, and the mayor of Villach. The security authorities have also prevented attacks thanks to international networking, he emphasized, referring to the terror plans related to the Taylor Swift concert and the recent arrest of a 15-year-old who allegedly planned an attack on the Vienna Westbahnhof.

Once again, Karner advocated for modern investigative methods - keyword messenger surveillance - and "random mass checks" of young Syrians and Afghans. He accused the far-right Identitarians of "instrumentalizing and abusing" the 14-year-old victim of the attack by using their photo to promote a political rally. According to current investigations, the Villach attacker was a lone perpetrator and entered Austria via Turkey, Karner said in response to questions. The Freedom Party was not calmed by the minister's statements. MP Susanne Fürst said: "You will continue to make yourself guilty." She accused the ÖVP of wanting to form a coalition not with the FPÖ but with the SPÖ and NEOS, where she knew exactly that nothing would happen regarding asylum in this coalition government.

SPÖ and NEOS promise a tougher approach

The speakers from SPÖ and NEOS wanted to dispel this impression. From the Social Democrats, Jörg Leichtfried said: "Those who fight against our values have no place in this country." One must take a more decisive stand against all forms of racism and especially against Islamism. The face of terror has no place in Austria. For the NEOS, Yannick Shetty called for a "sharp change of course" in asylum and migration policy. No more people could be taken in than could be integrated. This limit had been exceeded in terms of schools, authorities, and the social system. Immediate deportations should be possible for offenders, even to Syria and Afghanistan. Additionally, a tougher approach is needed towards countries that do not take back their citizens. As many procedures as possible should be conducted at the EU's external borders. Justice Minister Alma Zadic (Greens) focused in her speech on holding messenger services accountable. The algorithms ensured that the wrong radicalization machinery gained more and more significance. The EU's Digital Services Act is available as an instrument against this. It must now be sharply implemented.

At the end of the session, a resolution by the Greens on disinformation via social media, aimed at broader educational offerings against the risks of the digital information landscape, was adopted. All factions except the Freedom Party agreed. Their motions all failed to gain a majority.

The National Council is likely to meet again next week. The government declaration is expected at the beginning or middle of the week.

(APA/Red)

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