Scientists warn: FPÖ threatens freedom and democracy in Austria!

Scientists warn: FPÖ threatens freedom and democracy in Austria!

Over 1,000 scientists from Austria urge the dangers of a possible FPÖ-led government for the science location of Austria. In an open letter, you call for a clear commitment to democratic values, human rights as well as freedom of research and teaching. They fear that such a government could endanger the rule of law, media freedom and independence of the judiciary. Linguist Ruth Wodak expresses in this context that there are already efforts to promote "Germanization" of scientific terminology, which would severely harm Austria's international reputation, such as oe24.at reported.

threat from anti -democratic tendencies

The University Rectors' Conference (HRK) in Germany supports the Austrian scientists by emphasizing the importance of the democratic constitutional state for universities. "Freedom democracy and the rule of law are the immovable pillars of our country and its institutions," explains the HRK Presidium. The President of the Max Planck Society, Patrick Cramer, also emphasizes the need for an open, diverse society to attract international talents. These international specialists are considered indispensable for progress in science and economy, so that concern is looked at the increasing attractiveness hurdles in Germany that could arise from the influence of the AfD. Kai Gehring, chairman of the Bundestag research committee, sees this a significant danger, since racist and international-nationalist ideologies endanger the location of the science, such as research-und-lehre.de reported.

The clear calls of the science representatives to defend basic democratic values are aimed at all actors in the political and social field. An urgent appeal to protect freedom of science and diversity as well as to stand up against discriminatory tendencies is pronounced in order to strengthen confidence in free democracy and the integration of international talents. These developments are of considerable importance not only for Austria, but also for Germany, since they could endanger the international profile of both countries in science.