National Anthem Refused: Ukrainian Denied Citizenship

The award was revoked by a resolution of the Lower Austrian state government. "Anyone who refuses to identify with Austria only shows that they are not at all willing to accept the basic principles of our homeland," said Deputy Governor Udo Landbauer (FPÖ).

The Ukrainian is said to have already stated in advance of the ceremony on October 15 that he was not willing to sing the anthem. The Freedom Party referred to paragraph 21 of the Citizenship Act. According to this, the granting of citizenship must take place "in a context appropriate to this occasion, in a ceremonial setting, which is expressed by the joint singing of the national anthem and the visible presence of the flags of the Republic of Austria, the respective federal state, and the European Union".

"We won't be pushed around," Landbauer emphasized about the incident, which the "Kronen Zeitung" reported on Thursday. For asylum councilor Christoph Luisser (FPÖ), the decision to revoke the award is "self-evident and legally compelling".

No Citizenship for Ukrainian

"The granting of Austrian citizenship is an enormously high good and a privilege," also stated Matthias Zauner, state manager of the People's Party NÖ. "Anyone who doesn't even think it's worth the effort to sing the Austrian national anthem should not be granted this privilege." It's "not about harassment, but about basic values such as decency, respect, and appreciation for a country that is willing to enable a life of peace and prosperity".

(APA/Red)

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