ÖVP under the influence of the EVP: betrayal of the voters revealed!

ÖVP under the influence of the EVP: betrayal of the voters revealed!

Petra Steger, the liberal MP, has made sharp accusations against the ÖVP, which she believes is under the influence of the European People's Party (EPP). Steger said in an interview with FPÖ-TV and in a column in Exxpress that the ÖVP's government negotiations with the FPÖ had failed because the ÖVP was "no longer an independent party". She described the party as an “assistant” of the EPP and its leader Manfred Weber. An explosive incident that Steger mentioned: ÖVP delegation leader Reinhold Lopatka made a loud phone call during his return trip from the EU Parliament in Strasbourg, in which he apparently confessed to informing Weber about every stage of the negotiations and incorporating his demands into the talks. According to Steger, this clearly shows that the ÖVP does not decide on its own positions, but rather that they are dictated from outside. This was done by exxpress.at comprehensively documented.

A clear failure of the ÖVP

In addition to Steger's statements, the Exxpress points to internal problems within the ÖVP that are affecting its ability to govern. Party leader Christian Stocker faces deep internal divisions as various coalitions, including workers, farmers and entrepreneurs, fight for influence. Nevertheless, a key factor for the ÖVP's inability to act as an independent governing party is seen in the externally determined interaction with Brussels. Lopatka has publicly confirmed that he is in close coordination with Manfred Weber. He posted a picture of himself and Weber on his social media profile, which illustrates the close connection between the ÖVP and the EVP. During the return trip in the shuttle bus, Lopatka revealed that Weber would be informed about the status of negotiations, especially on sensitive issues such as Austria's neutrality in the face of the Ukraine war.

The serious criticism of the ÖVP also includes the accusation that it not only betrays Austria's interests, but also takes the EVP's demands into account in its decisions. In this context, Lopatka's proposal to fly the EU flag on all Austrian official buildings is particularly noteworthy. Such proposals could undermine Austrian sovereignty, according to reports from ots.at is not in the best interests of voters. If the ÖVP does not quickly distance itself from the EVP's influence, this could have immediate political consequences.