70 Years of Neutrality: Government Appeals for Unity on National Day
On Vienna's Heldenplatz, over 1,000 recruits and 15 female recruits were ceremonially sworn in on National Day. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) called in their speeches for society to come together and actively engage for democracy and freedom in the country. On the anniversary - neutrality was introduced 70 years ago, and the National Day was established 60 years ago on October 26 - the military and politics are once again offering a lot of programs.
More Protection and Defense Needed
Europe, and thus Austria, is increasingly exposed to attacks and threats, militarily as well as culturally, economically, and technologically. Therefore, more protection and defense are needed than in the past, emphasized Van der Bellen, who as head of state is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, at the ceremony.
Freedoms are also in danger within the EU and Austria itself. The Federal President therefore appealed to each and every individual to "protect and defend our values and our way of life," in the office, at school, at home, and on social media.
Chancellor Stocker: "Let's Fight for Democracy"
Austria is investing in its security through the armed forces, effective protection against disasters, cyberattacks, or disinformation, and strengthening the economy, emphasized Chancellor Stocker in his speech. However, security also means defending one's own values and standing together as a society, especially in difficult times. Stocker therefore called for fighting for democracy, perpetual neutrality, the rule of law, freedom of the press and opinion, and "the way we live together." Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) warned against voices trying to play social issues against security. She wants to make the armed forces "the best and strongest army in the history of the Second Republic." Austria has always understood its neutrality as a mandate for committed peace policy and not lived it as indifference, highlighted SPÖ leader Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler, as Stocker had previously done.
FPÖ Criticism Along with Call for Political Resistance
FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl, on the other hand, saw the "precious heritage" of neutrality in danger from what he called the "system parties." They had led Austria into an economic war, and he was very concerned "that they will also drag us into a direct military conflict between NATO and Russia." He therefore called on the population for political resistance.
Green Party leader Leonore Gewessler, on the other hand, advocated in a statement for a "confident look forward." After all, Austria has proven in its eventful history that it can achieve great things "even in times when everything seems overwhelming."
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.