Corona? Was there something? A few months ago, everyone would have been wagging their fingers at us and reminding us of the great threats posed by the virus. But now, just two weeks before the election, it seems as though everyone is suddenly becoming very quiet. You could almost think that Corona had disappeared overnight – or at least from the minds of politicians. It becomes particularly interesting when you look at the role of Chancellor Karl Nehammer in this political maneuver. Why is there such stubborn silence now that the number of infections is increasing again? A sarcastic look at the political failure and the game of hide-and-seek surrounding Corona.
Two weeks before the election: Corona? Please don’t talk about it!
It almost seems as if someone had passed a memo to the politicians: “Corona will no longer be discussed – otherwise you will lose votes.” Just a few weeks ago, we could read in major media about the alarming sewage values that indicated a massive corona contamination. There were also worried reports from doctors who warned of overcrowded intensive care units and predicted another tough autumn. But suddenly? Radio silence. No politician, no expert wants to talk about the virus anymore. Perhaps because the topic does not fit into the election campaign narrative? It seems as if the responsibility to keep an eye on the virus is now being postponed until after the election. But of course only if it still brings in votes.
Karl Nehammer, our Chancellor, remains silent. No clear announcement, no statement on the obvious concerns. Mr. Nehammer, what’s going on? Corona has certainly not decided to take a vacation in the next few weeks. It’s still here, many people are sick, and the sick days aren’t going to disappear on their own. But hey, why should we talk about it when we’re putting up election posters with other issues?
From catastrophe to calm: A textbook media retreat
Not long ago, in August, the headlines were full of horror stories. Catastrophic sewage levels that suggested a new outbreak, doctors who expressed their concerns in shaky voices – it all sounded like the next Corona drama. But hardly anyone noticed how quickly the major media backtracked after these reports. Suddenly they said: “It’s not that bad.” Another classic media move? Or was it perhaps politically controlled? The suspicion is that the decisive factor here was not the facts, but the election calendar.
One wonders why there is no longer an outcry in the media. Not long ago, people were pointing fingers at the increasing number of sick days and the uncertainty in the autumn. But as soon as election campaign speeches are made, Corona is no longer an issue. Strange, isn’t it? It almost seems as if the virus can adapt to the election campaign at will. A virus with a political instinct, how ironic.
The fact is: Many people are sick – and not just with a mild cold
While the political and media scene has seemingly kept quiet about Corona, the numbers tell a different story. Many people are sick, and quite a few of them seriously. There is an increasing number of Corona cases, particularly among those returning from trips. But of course no one is talking about it, because who wants to hear that the joy of vacation has turned out to be the seedbed for the next wave?
It’s crazy: We’re no longer talking about hospitals that could fill up again or about the increasing number of sick days in companies. Instead, the issue flies under the radar while people recover from an infection or struggle with long-term consequences. But whatever, the main thing is that the election campaign continues without interruption. Politicians have more important things to do than deal with sick voters – especially when they’re sitting at home in quarantine and can’t vote anyway.
Political opportunism at its peak: Was Corona instrumentalized for this purpose?
The question arises: Was Corona just a useful card in the political game for some politicians? In recent years, the virus has been used again and again to justify decisions based on the need to protect the health of the population. But now that the crisis is upon us again, it suddenly no longer seems to be so useful for those in power. Has Corona become a topic of political opportunism?
A year ago, a rise in the number of cases would have led to immediate action. But today, people are acting as if the virus had vanished into thin air. And why? Because it would be politically unwise to take up the issue in the next two weeks? It seems as if Corona has suddenly become unpleasant – a topic that people prefer to avoid because it raises uncomfortable questions that they don’t want to answer. Better to quickly put a carpet over it before voters get any stupid ideas.
The real threat: sick leave and economic damage in the fall
While politicians and the media deliberately ignore the topic of Corona, the reality in autumn and winter could hold an unpleasant surprise. Sick leave will increase, companies will struggle with absences, and the economy could be hit again. Because even if the virus has disappeared from the headlines, that does not mean that it no longer exists. It is still there and can strike at any time.
Autumn is just around the corner and the risks are real. More and more people will be indoors again, the risk of infection will increase and sick leave will skyrocket. But instead of taking preventive measures, we are seeing a political disinterest that is almost negligent. One wonders whether the government will address the issue again after the election – probably only when it is economically and politically expedient.
Mr. Nehammer, please comment!
And so the question remains: What does our Chancellor Karl Nehammer actually say about this? So far: nothing. No clear statement, no call for caution, no strategic measures for the autumn. Mr. Nehammer, it would be time to speak out. Because if Corona picks up speed again, the people who are sick now or will become sick will certainly not forget who is responsible. Wouldn’t it make sense to take preventive action now instead of looking at the ruins later?
But maybe the topic of Corona doesn’t fit into the election campaign right now. Maybe it’s not sexy enough to win votes. Let’s hope that the virus isn’t also eligible to vote, because then it might have a clear opinion about the current political strategy – or rather, the lack of one.
Political responsibility looks different.
