Selenskyj in Vienna: Political visit provides storm in the National Council!

Selenskyj in Vienna: Political visit provides storm in the National Council!

Wien, Österreich - The state visit by the Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj on Monday in Vienna caused political tensions in Austria. This has been Selenskyj's first visit to Austria since the beginning of the war and he comes with a high -ranking delegation, including his wife, First Lady Olena Selenska, and Foreign Minister Andrij Sibyha. The reception in Vienna took place with military honor, while security measures in several areas such as Heldenplatz and the Volksgarten were raised due to two registered rallies, a pro-Ukrainian and one against the visit.

In the National Council, the FPÖ made an “urgent request” to Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) regarding the state visit. Since the Chancellor was prevented, State Secretary Alexander Pröll (ÖVP) answered the questions. The FPÖ sharply criticized the visit because it took place at the same time as an important budget debate. MP Susanne Fürst from the FPÖ called Selenskyj's visit a "distraction maneuver" from the budget disaster. She accused the government of doing more for Ukraine than for her own citizens and questioned the use of funds for Ukraine and the control of corruption.

political reactions and dispute in the National Council

Prince appealed to the importance of Austria's neutrality and spoke out against Selenskyj's invitation. During the request, the FPÖ deputies showed posters with the slogans "Zeit für Pied" and "Time for Neutrality". Pröll reacted with the reference to the fact that Russia waged a "brutal war of aggression" and that the support of the Ukraine of Austria was necessary. At the same time, he pointed out that the visit was already planned in 2022 and was therefore protocol.

The visit also created different opinions within the government. ÖVP MP Andreas Minnich criticized the FPÖ criticism as a propaganda from "Radio Moscow", while SPÖ foreign politician Petra Bayr described it as "completely crazy". Neos club chairman Yannick Shetty called the urgent request a "populist maneuver", and also the Greens, under the leadership of club chairman Werner Kogler, rejected the FPÖ's allegations as absurd.

economic perspectives and reconstruction

A central aspect of Selenskyj's visit is the positioning of the Austrian economy for the reconstruction of Ukraine. According to estimates, the reconstruction is estimated at around 500 billion euros. The Ukrainian reconstruction plan comprises 850 projects that are to be implemented over ten years with a focus on extensive reforms, modernization and economic development. Current reconstruction activities include the reconstruction of houses and the restoration of health and energy supply.

Austria has mobilized 327 million euros in financial and humanitarian aid since the start of the war. The visit to Selenskyj is aimed at having declarations of intent and memorands signed. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) personally picked up Selenskyj from the airport and talks with Federal President Alexander van der Bellen, Chancellor Stocker and Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler were scheduled. BABLER proposed to use Austria as a place for peace negotiations.

For the reconstruction of Ukraine, the support of international financial institutions and the EU is expected, which will provide financial aid, among other things, by instruments such as the "Ukraine facility". In addition, private investments are crucial for reconstruction, with a focus on agricultural and nutritional economy, logistics as well as in the metal and wood processing sector.

Selenskyj has contacted the Austrian population several times since the start of the war and will take part in a press conference during his stay. During the political arguments, the question of neutrality and the role of Austria remains in the international mediation.