FPÖ attacks Neos Foreign Minister: Neutrality in danger!

FPÖ attacks Neos Foreign Minister: Neutrality in danger!

The news about Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger from the Neos causes excitement! After her controversial statements about the Austrian neutrality, which it assesses in equal viciousness with the common security and defense policy of the European Union, the FPÖ follows up with sharp criticism. In an interview in the Ö1 afternoon journal on Saturday, Meinl-Reisinger made it clear that Austria should not intervene in conflicts outside of Europe. At the same time, she called for more commitment to cooperation within the EU when it comes to armaments and defense. This position immediately met with resistance. According to the FPÖ foreign policy spokeswoman Susanne Fürst, this is a "wooden forest" and a "red-white-red foreign minister, no Brussels envoy", as was cited on or even in the press reports.

The FPÖ particularly criticized the fact that Meinl-Reisinger does not adequately respect neutrality. "Austria has always protected neutrality," said Fürst. She warned that the massive armamental increase planned for the EU could not be compatible with the principles of Austrian neutrality by 800 billion euros. "If Meinl-Reisinger doesn't understand that, she didn't understand her job as Foreign Minister," she added. In addition, Prince expressed concerns that Meinl-Reisinger is more likely to represent the interests of the "United States of Europe" than those of an independent Austria. For them, Austria is better advised to promote peace negotiations in Ukraine as a neutral actor instead of getting into the upgrade of the EU, such as oe24.at reported.

This public discussion not only focuses on the new foreign minister, but also raises basic questions about domestic security and foreign policy. The FPÖ sees Austria's neutrality as an indispensable foundation of its international reputation, especially as a seat of international organizations such as the OSCE and the UN. This underlines the critical consideration that is expected on the behavior of the new Foreign Minister, while trying to find a balance between neutral statements and a proactive approach in EU policy, which also from ots.at .