"Second Chance for the Second Republic": Initiative Warns Against "People's Chancellor" Kickl
Under the title "A Second Chance for the Second Republic", among others, the former Federal President and SPÖ politician Heinz Fischer, the LIF founder Heide Schmidt, the former EU Commissioner Franz Fischler (ÖVP) and the former Health Minister Rudolf Anschober (Greens) expressed their concerns about a "People's Chancellor" Federal Chancellor Herbert Kickl.
"Second Chance for the Second Republic": Veteran Politicians Warn Against "People's Chancellor" Kickl
The former Finance Minister Ferdinand Lacina (SPÖ), the former Ombudswoman Terezija Stoisits (Greens), constitutional lawyer Heinz Mayer and bank manager Michael Ikrath also joined the chorus. The initiative "A Promise for the Republic", the "Republican Club - New Austria" and the initiative "Clean Hands - Stop Corruption" had invited.
Fischer Against "Retro-Politics"
"It is a democratic republic, which certainly has its weaknesses and mistakes", Fischer admitted to the prevailing open society in Austria. "We do not want the foundations of the Second Republic to be exposed to a considerable risk", he therefore said with regard to the prospect of a coalition with the FPÖ at the helm. The former Federal President spoke out against a "retro-politics" he feared - such as the role of women in society - and: "We especially do not want a People's Chancellor Kickl."
Criticism of "Disastrous Attitude" of FPÖ Officials Towards the Nazi Era
Schmid, who has her political roots in the once liberal wing of the FPÖ, spoke of a "disastrous attitude" of some Freedom Party officials towards the Nazi era. The fact that the ÖVP in Austria is now negotiating with the FPÖ against all assurances "scares" her. Schmid also warned of starving traditional media. "For me, the FPÖ has the potential to destroy democracy," she said.
Ex-EU Commissioner Fischler: Strengthening Europe is "Fundamental"
Especially now, it is "fundamental" to strengthen Europe, Fischler said with regard to the geopolitical situation. Many developments can only be managed at the European level, especially security, said the former EU Commissioner. It is "very dangerous" if reform refusers come to power in Europe who want to reduce the EU to an economic union. For Fischler too, Kickl as Chancellor is "anything but desirable".
Anschober Wants Alternatives to "People's Chancellor" Kickl
Especially now, it is "fundamental" to strengthen Europe, Fischler said with regard to the geopolitical situation. Many developments can only be managed at the European level, especially security, said the former EU Commissioner. It is "very dangerous" if reform refusers come to power in Europe who want to reduce the EU to an economic union. For Fischler too, Kickl as Chancellor is "anything but desirable".
The former Health Minister Anschober, who was also in office at the beginning of the Corona crisis, warned against taking a step backwards in the face of the problems to be solved. The claim that there is no alternative to Blue-Turquoise is "simply wrong". Anschober appealed to all parties apart from the Freedom Party to start talking again. Clearly over 70 percent of the population did not vote for the FPÖ. This is also a mandate. Alternatives must be given a chance. "It's late, but it's absolutely still timely."
(APA/Red)
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