Protection of Employees and WHO as Topics in the National Council

The SPÖ and FPÖ each set a topic in the National Council on Wednesday. In a "Current Hour," Josef Muchitsch (SPÖ) praised the measures for securing employees and emphasized the role of the Social Democrats in the implementation. For the citizens, "everything would get worse," said Dagmar Belakowitsch (FPÖ). Her party unsuccessfully attempted to file an objection against a change in WHO health regulations with an "urgent motion."

Criticism and Praise from Muchitsch

During the debate on the protection of employees at the beginning of the session, Muchitsch also criticized - but the ÖVP-led coalitions of recent years. The SPÖ had not been in government for seven years, and since then, much had been "messed up." There had been no measures for the expansion of kindergartens, inflation had "soared," and the opportunity to unify social assistance had not been used. He praised the current three-party coalition for, among other things, the rent price freeze and the inclusion of caregivers in the heavy labor regulation, and an evaluation of the tip allowance was pending. Social Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) highlighted the heat protection regulation for outdoor work, which goes into review on Wednesday.

Markus Koza (Greens) criticized the government for the abolition of educational leave, whose replacement is "still not there." The restriction of part-time retirement coming with the partial pension would mainly affect women. The criticism from the FPÖ was sharper. For the citizens, "everything would get worse," the freedom party's social spokesperson Dagmar Belakowitsch shot against the government. She criticized the co-payments for medical transports and the size of the government with 21 members. Savings would happen on the backs of the employees.

"All in the Same Boat"

Lukas Brandweiner (ÖVP) accused her of having "confused the Current Hour with a blue fairy tale hour." He praised measures of the previous government such as the abolition of cold progression or the increase of the mileage allowance. The partial pension on the agenda for Thursday would allow employees to shape their transition into retirement themselves; a fair taxation model for work in old age is being worked on.

NEOS representative Johannes Gasser emphasized that the interests of employers and employees should not be divided: "We are all in the same boat and depend on each other." He referred to the government's goal to reduce ancillary wage costs from 2027 to secure jobs and enable employees to have "more net from the gross."

WHO as a Topic

In the afternoon, a "urgent motion" by the FPÖ led to a discussion about the World Health Organization (WHO). The Freedom Party's discontent was sparked by a change to the international health regulations that was already adopted in June 2024. The innovations would lead to an unacceptable expansion of powers for the WHO Director-General, who could de facto declare a pandemic emergency alone, said FPÖ health spokesperson Gerhard Kaniak. Then the Austrian government would be required to take measures. He also warned that mandatory vaccination could return as a result. The FPÖ appealed for an objection by the federal government, which is possible until July 19, but the other parties did not agree.

The coronavirus pandemic has shown that existing regulations are not sufficient and more international cooperation is needed, defended Health State Secretary Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig (SPÖ) regarding the new health regulations. Their goal is quick and coordinated action. Just like ÖVP General Secretary Nico Marchetti, she assured that the WHO Director-General cannot interfere with national laws and enforce measures in Austria. The other parties reacted similarly. Ralph Schallmeiner (Greens) spoke of the "same old myths" of the FPÖ, while Fiona Fiedler (NEOS) accused the Freedom Party of having "completely misinterpreted" something.

Premiere for Gewessler

There is a new development in the Green parliamentary club since Wednesday. For the first time, the faction is led by the new club chairwoman Leonore Gewessler. At the beginning of the session, the former ÖVP disability spokesperson Kira Grünberg was also sworn in as a representative. She takes over the mandate from Karoline Edtstadler, who recently became the governor of Salzburg.

(APA/Red)

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