The Federal Chancellor made a brief statement before his interview with the Federal President.
The corruption investigations against Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) and his close circle have called the head of state onto the scene: Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen will meet all the heads of the parliamentary parties on Thursday and tomorrow Friday for “talks due to the current situation”, it said from the presidential office.
The first was Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens) at 1.30 p.m., who had questioned the Chancellor’s ability to act in the morning. After the conversation he said nothing. At 4 p.m. Chancellor Kurz had an appointment with Van der Bellen, before which he made a brief statement.
“False accusations uncomfortable”
“I don’t know whether you know the feeling when someone accuses you of something wrong – that’s uncomfortable,” emphasized the Chancellor. At the same time, knowing that the allegations are wrong gives you strength to defend myself with all legal and democratic means.
It is absolutely important that the judiciary can investigate anyone, assured the Chancellor. The presumption of innocence is a cornerstone of the constitution, it applied to all his predecessors and other top politicians. “I hope that we will continue to have stable conditions in this country,” said Kurz. The ÖVP will continue to do everything it can to do its part. “We stand by the government, we work well with the Greens. If the Greens No longer wanting to continue this cooperation and looking for other majorities in Parliament, this is to be accepted. We stand ready to continue the cooperation “, he concluded his statement.
SPÖ leader Pamela Rendi-Wagner has an appointment with the head of state at 5.30 p.m. Tomorrow, Friday at 11.30 a.m., Neos boss Beate Meinl-Reisinger is invited to Van der Bellen. At 3 p.m., FPÖ boss Herbert Kickl closes the round of talks with the Federal President.
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(Red./APA)