The lengthy grand-coalition has led to political paralysis. But instead of using the crisis to build up an effective EU border protection regime, those in government have preferred to play the national card prior to the European card. One can understand the concerns of a small country that takes more than its share of refugees and feels abandoned by the other EU member states. The blocking of the Balkan route in cooperation with Balkan states not bound by EU laws was celebrated in Austria as a triumph over Angel Merkel's "welcoming culture." The resurrection of border checks on the Brenner Pass shows a distressing amount of historical indolence. "Seal Off Austria!" read one memorable headline in the Kroner Zeitung newspaper.įourth: Europe. This frenzy is accompanied by the triumphant howling of the powerful tabloid newspapers, which have joined in the attacks on the government. It is almost as if the government and right-wing opposition are in a competition to see who can destroy European Austria quicker. Third, the refugee crisis has played into the hands of chauvinists. The voting public has grown tired of the same old messages from the same two men who continually get in each other's way while merrily calling: "Let's do it!" But the two parties have ruled together for too long. The economic data is positive and there can be no talk of social upheaval. Those nominated were little more than stopgap solutions. First, the two parties in the coalition - the SPÖ and the ÖVP - should have put forward better candidates. Those in the governing grand-coalition know they are themselves to blame for the debacle. Candidates from the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) and from the conservative Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) received a combined 22 percent of the vote in the first round of the presidential elections, not even two-thirds of Hofer's result. Until now this has never been a problem as all presidents respected the constitution and never tested their powers. The federal presidency, however, remained as it had been in 1929. The Second Austrian Republic's post-World War I declaration of independence says the country was to be modelled on the spirit of the 1920 constitution. Additionally he became commander in chief of the federal army. Now the president was to be directly elected by the people and responsible for naming the chancellor, ministers, judges, and high-ranking officials. Reflecting the pre-fascist era, the Christian Conservatives gave the office more weight in 1929 inspired by the German Imperial President Hindenburg, the Austrian presidency was granted absolute powers. In the constitution of 1920, largely written by the famous constitutional lawyer Hans Kelsen, the role of president was effectively that of being the country's notary. The position of president thus proves to be problematic - because it encompasses authoritarian potential. Hofer promotes a system of Swiss-style direct democracy, but also thoroughly sympathizes with Orbán and Putin - and with Marine Le Pen, of course, as well. Yet the country's constitution - which the president is charged with defending - clearly forbids annexation with Germany.Īll this makes up the undercurrent of the conflict. The party is dedicated Austria über alles, but many of its supporters seem even more devoted to the greater German nation. But the connection between the party and the Austrian nation remains unclear. Strache grinningly waves the red-white-red flag of Austria at every opportunity he had one in his hands even on election night. SPIEGEL Media Menü SPIEGEL Media aufklappen.Alle Magazine Menü Alle Magazine aufklappen.SPIEGEL-Heft Menü SPIEGEL-Heft aufklappen.Gutscheine Anzeige Menü Gutscheine aufklappen.
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