Excitement Surrounding Mini State Parliament Session Before Vienna Election

In the Vienna City Hall, a hastily convened session of the state parliament caused a stir on Friday. It was scheduled to approve the second reading of laws that, among other things, amend the rules of procedure of the state parliament and the regulations for investigative committees. The opposition complained that the session was not conducted properly. The amendments were not only rejected, but the ÖVP, Greens, and FPÖ also left the hall.

Usually a session for first and second reading

Usually, the first and second readings of legislative resolutions take place in the same session. However, at yesterday's state parliament session - which would have actually been the last before the Vienna election on Sunday - the opposition refused to agree to this procedure. This is the only way for non-government parties to at least cause a delay. The opposition alone cannot prevent the resolution itself.

As a result, the two readings had to be conducted in different sessions. For this purpose, another meeting was immediately scheduled for today at 9:00 AM. There, Green party leader David Ellensohn and his faction colleague Martin Margulies were visibly furious. They criticized that due to the short notice, no question time or current affairs hour could be held. There was also no presidential meeting to discuss the joint procedure. The session was then interrupted for consultations.

State Parliament President Ernst Woller (SPÖ) pointed out that the period ended today, Friday, and therefore the session had to be scheduled quickly. The Greens, on the other hand, were convinced that a date could have been set after the election - provided it took place before the constitutive session. They argued that the current procedure could lead to the laws not being constitutionally compliant.

Vienna State Parliament Session Lasted About 30 Minutes

The ÖVP and FPÖ also spoke out via press releases after the session, accusing the SPÖ, among other things, of a lack of understanding of democracy. The fact that the changes or amendments were ultimately passed with the votes of the governing parties SPÖ and NEOS could not be prevented by the opposition. Their walkout during the vote did not change this. The session was over again after about half an hour.

The relevant agenda items included, among other things, the introduction of a new arbitration panel for investigative commissions, which the opposition accuses of being too close to the magistrate. The introduction of speaking time restrictions in the state parliament was also criticized.

Vienna State Parliament President Responded to Criticism

State Parliament President Woller rejected the criticism of both the resolutions and the procedure. The session was conducted in accordance with the law, he assured in a statement after the meeting. All deadlines and regulations were adhered to. Furthermore, the resolutions would strengthen the rights of the opposition.

(APA/Red)

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