Not the best of both worlds, but what separates the two worlds, was what ÖVP Chancellor Karl Nehammer and his deputy, Green Party leader Werner Kogler, highlighted on Friday in the ORF confrontations on the National Council election – check here on JOYN. Both tried to highlight what differentiates the two parties from each other.
The tone of the discussion remained objective and polite throughout. The flood disaster took up a lot of space.
Both see the government’s balance sheet positively
Despite all the differences, Nehammer and Kogler’s assessment of the government’s record was generally positive, and some progress had also been made in climate protection. Nevertheless, Kogler believes that much remains open in this area. Nehammer referred to the “long experience” in this country when it comes to nature and environmental protection.
When asked about a renewed collaboration, both were cautious, but did not rule it out. In response to this “speculative question”, Nehammer said that it was up to the voters first. When asked whether he would forego a minister, Leonore Gewessler, Kogler said that “every captain looks for himself at which team is fielded”. The Vice Chancellor believes that the ÖVP’s decision to rule out collaboration with Gewessler is due to the election campaign.
Election duel: Gewessler against Plakolm
Flood disaster
The flood disaster took up a lot of space, as it was the first official appearance of the two after the interrupted election campaign. Right at the beginning of the debate, Nehammer expressed his “sympathy and condolences” to the victims of the flood disaster. The federal government had “made provisions” to repair the damage. Both promised immediate help.
We are learning a lot from the floods, said Nehammer. In the past, “a lot has been invested” in torrent control and retention basins. But investments in infrastructure should not be played off against this, argued Nehammer, as these are just as “important”. However, the ÖVP stands for “openness to technology and freedom of research” and does not want to restrict people and the business location with “commands and prohibitions”. The fact that disaster relief is a state matter does not bother Nehammer. The state governors know best how to provide help on the ground.
Messenger monitoring
Nehammer does not want to discuss the issue of the Attorney General’s Office separately from messenger surveillance. Security authorities must be given the opportunity to investigate on a broad level, including in social media. Kogler pointed out that the Constitutional Court had overturned an initial regulation on messenger surveillance under the turquoise-blue coalition. On the issue of the Attorney General, the Greens had spoken to judges and public prosecutors and would therefore support this solution.
