NÖ established a Corona Evaluation Commission

The body, agreed upon in the 2023 work agreement, is to examine the activities of the already concluded Corona Fund and address measures, impacts, and consequences of the Covid period. According to a press release, the two-member commission will immediately begin its work. A comprehensive report is to be presented by the end of the year.

The body is formed by Otto Huber, the former head of the Health Group in Lower Austria, and Jörg Hausberger, the deputy managing director of the Lower Austrian Health and Social Fund (NÖGUS). "The results of this commission should provide the state with guidance for measures in the event of a possible new pandemic," it was emphasized.

"The pandemic has torn many rifts in our community. However, with our open approach to addressing the past and the courage to also name mistakes, we have managed to have people talking to each other again today," said Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner. The ÖVP politician recalled the recent establishment of a Corona Commission in Germany after Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for a review. Lower Austria, however, does not need "a directive from above." With the body, a "conclusion to the Corona review" is set, and the focus is on looking forward "to best prepare for the future."

Landbauer: "Relentlessly Review Measures"

"Now it's about relentlessly reviewing the measures and making the right deductions for the future," announced Deputy Governor Udo Landbauer (FPÖ). "People have a right to the truth. It must be clear that the fundamental and freedom rights of the compatriots have the highest priority and are non-negotiable at any time." Already with the Corona Fund, a "central promise to the Lower Austrian population was fulfilled." "A large part of the consequences of the policy measures, such as the lost time with loved ones or the massive loss of trust, cannot be quantified."

The SPÖ members of the state government - State Councilor Sven Hergovich and State Councilor Eva Prischl - did not vote for the establishment of the body at the meeting on Tuesday. Lower Austria does not need a party-politically driven Corona Evaluation Commission, but rather commitment in the fight against inflation, SPÖ state party leader Hergovich stated in a press release. In this regard, he mentioned the introduction of free kindergarten following the model of the neighboring federal states of Vienna and Burgenland, the reintroduction of the school start allowance, and massive electricity price reductions financed from EVN windfall profits. The establishment of a Lower Austrian Price Commission instead of the Corona Commission could be a first step.

The Corona Fund was probably the most controversial point in the 2023 work agreement between the ÖVP and FPÖ. Ultimately, around 4.6 of the available 31.3 million euros were paid out. The remaining funds flow back into the state budget. In the first phase, fines imposed by Lower Austrian district administrative authorities based on laws later overturned by the Constitutional Court (VfGH) were reimbursed. Then, support could be applied for, among other things, for long-Covid consequences and vaccination impairments. Associations were also supported. The fund was concluded on September 1. The Court of Audit already criticized in March, among other things, the lack of a comprehensive, comprehensible needs assessment for the allocation sum, and the reimbursement of administrative fines was attested a "legally questionable signal effect."

(APA/Red)

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