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Spitting Chills: Former Prez Heinz Fischer Drops the Mic on Neutrality
Former Austrian Federal President Heinz Fischer has pulled no punches in slamming the notion of abolishing Austria's neutrality stance. Speaking to APA, Fischer passionately argued that this decision would be a significant folly, as neutrality offers more protection than any army.
"'A Huge Mistake,'" Fischer declared bluntly, marking the 70th anniversary of the State Treaty. The idea that neutrality doesn't provide Austria with adequate protection is "flat-out wrong," he asserted.
Fischer referenced Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin to drive his point home, stating, "Neutrality has no divisions. It doesn't have machine guns or tanks. But it is a status known to all countries, which we have maintained with conscience and fairness."
With a warning to Austria's critics of neutrality, Fischer argued that every nation should ponder whether they'd dare assault a neutral country – a move he described as "unwise and reckless."
Though Austria holds the legal right to revoke neutrality, Fischer expressed skepticism toward the notion that the State Treaty is growing obsolete. Bundling the ban against German annexation and certain weapons as part of the Soviet perspective from 1955, Fischer recalled, "Nobody wanted to transfer the Austrian model to Germany."
Perceived as a mere "political compromise" among opposing parties, the day after the last Allied soldier left Austria was chosen as the national holiday – not the 12th of November, a choice preferred by the Social Democrats after World War II. Fischer, a child during the Allied occupation, shared memories of the Soviet command's control over his uncle's Minister of Food position. Fischer also mentioned growing up with the lingering fear of his uncle's disappearance during meetings with the Allies.
Despite criticism of Austria being too friendly with Moscow, the political climate remains unaffected. Fischer affirmed that Austrian politics maintains a level of skepticism towards Russia today. Fischer also emphasized that historical distortions regarding the Soviet role in World War II is not fair to the Russian war victims and their descendants.
Regarding the ongoing situation in Ukraine, Fischer hinted at Western co-responsibility for the crisis. Finland, Austria, and other satellite countries felt assured that NATO would not expand further east in the wake of German reunification. However, broken promises led to a tense, dangerous situation – one that has resulted in Russia's violation of international law.
Fischer's stance on neutrality can be attributed to his harrowing experiences during World War II. As the war approached its end, Fischer recalled a deep-rooted fear that had been stoked by Allied bombing raids. As a six-year-old, Fischer vividly remembers the anxiety felt by his mother and the discomfort of having to flee to a coal cellar during the bombings.
With an optimistic outlook on the future, Fischer expressed his hope that Austria's democracy would endure, putting to rest fears of a collapse. With a democratic tradition that has already outlasted the First Republic by four times, Fischer believes that Austria will continue to steer clear of dictatorship – at least in the foreseeable future.
Regarding the controversies surrounding the National Council President and his employees, Fischer argued against excluding fraternity members from the civil service en masse. Fischer noted that such an exclusion isn't warranted if an individual exercises their free choice of profession, voting rights, and speech without being affiliated with a banned organization.
In spite of the FPO failing to capitalize on their election victory, Fischer remains hopeful that the current government will persevere beyond the legislative period. With three parties rallying together to demonstrate the efficacy of a three-party government, Fischer believes this coalition is prepared to bring people together and make a positive impact. Fischer also expressed uncertainty about the FPO's long-term prospects, considering the possibility that the party's growth has reached its peak.
Statements made by Fischer should be carefully evaluated for their historical and political significance.
(The conversation was conducted by Edgar Schutz and Stefan Vospernik of APA.)
- Former Austrian President Heinz Fischer strongly disagrees with the idea of abandoning Austria's neutral stance, stating that it would be a significant mistake.
- Fischer asserts that neutrality offers more protection than any army and is not flat-out wrong as some argue.
- He references the Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin to emphasize that neutrality has no divisions, machine guns, or tanks, but is a known status among countries.
- Fischer warns that attacking a neutral country would be unwise and reckless.
- Fischer recalls that the State Treaty, which includes the ban against German annexation and certain weapons, was not meant to be transferred to Germany.
- Fischer's historical experiences during World War II have shaped his opinion on neutrality, as he vividly remembers the fear and discomfort felt during Allied bombing raids as a six-year-old.