Ex-Chancellors Schüssel (ÖVP) and Vranitzky (SPÖ) speak to Corinna Milborn about the current espionage scandal, coalitions with the FPÖ and dealing with Russia.
Vienna (OTS) – The two former Chancellors face off in a “Hot Contest Special”. Franz Vranitzky (SPÖ, 1986 to 1997) and Wolfgang Schüssel (ÖVP, 2000 to 2007) to the questions from PULS 24 information chief Corinna Milborn. The current espionage scandal is also an issue there. Schüssel considers the FPÖ’s friendship agreement with Putin’s “United Russia” party to be “extremely difficult to get used to”. For Vranitzky, the FPÖ is “not conducive to Austria” and has “always had a tendency to associate with parties that were on the political fringes.”
Since 1986, Vranitzky and the SPÖ have ruled out a coalition with the FPÖ at the federal level, better known as the “Vranitzky doctrine”, which is still in effect today. Today the ravages of time may have already gnawed at this attitude. But essentially it still applies, said the ex-Chancellor.
In view of the ongoing Russian war of aggression, the two former chancellors also look back on their dealings with Russia. Schüssel believes it is the wrong approach to “condemn everything in retrospect”. Vranitzky admits that “too little emphasis was placed on state security”. Over the past 30 years, Austrian politicians have underestimated Russia and paid too much attention to the exchange of goods and services with the country. But: “One should not act as if one should have known what Russia is planning to do in terms of measures that are damaging to democracy,” said Schüssel, looking back, and at the same time warning that one should learn from the experiences, for example in dealing with China.
The entire interview can be seen today from 7:55 p.m. in a “Heiß Umfehdet Spezial” on JOYN and PULS 24 as well as online puls24.at
Hotly Feuded Special
Wednesday, April 10th, 7:55 p.m. on JOYN & PULS 24
Moderation: Corinna Milborn
Questions & Contact:
Uwe Blümel
[email protected]