Austria’s blockade likely to last a week

The SPÖ, FPÖ and Neos oppose the government’s plans to prematurely end the lockdown for those being evaluated. This means that retail, gastronomy, tourism and probably schools will only be able to open on January 24.

The third strict lockdown in Austria appears to last a week. The People’s Party and the Greens are abstaining from their plan to allow a “free choice,” as it emerged from government circles Monday night. The reason for this step, still unofficial: the opposition blockade announced on Sunday. This means that commerce, gastronomy, tourism and probably schools will only be able to open on January 24.

It was originally planned that those who are tested for the Sars-CoV-2 pathogen could gain benefits a week earlier, such as attending cultural and sporting events or buying goods that are not needed every day. like clothes or books. Additionally, personal service providers such as hairdressers should be able to receive clients again on January 17, and schools should begin teaching in the classroom.

Parliament’s homepage collapses

A corresponding amendment, which would have made it possible more freely, was sent for a three-day review shortly before the turn of the year, until yesterday Sunday. A procedure that caused discontent among the opposition parties and many citizens who wanted to comment on the law – and they did. However, due to the crowd, more than 3000 statements were sent on Sunday night alone, Parliament’s website crashed for a while.

“At present, thousands of citizens cannot have a say in the evaluation process of the new Corona laws due to the inadequate capacity of the servants of the parliament,” criticized the head of the club FPÖ Herbert Kickl (FPÖ). The Neos also objected to the turquoise green practice: “This wave of public outcry shows that the Health Minister must fundamentally review the law and ensure a proper evaluation,” wrote deputy party leader Nikolaus Scherak in a broadcast.

On Sunday, the criticism grew even louder, with the three opposition parties finally not only announcing (constitutional) concerns, but also refusing to pass the law. This could mean that the bill could pass in the National Council, but the Federal Council would suspend it for about two months due to the narrow majority of the SPÖ, FPÖ and Neos (31:30 votes).

U-turn from SPÖ or Neos?

It is so clear to the coalition that the blockade must be extended for a week. Government circles said early Monday that its plan to open up commerce, schools and culture through free trials on January 18 could no longer be implemented due to the opposition’s stance. The lockdown will now apply to everyone in Austria until January 24.

Initially it was not clear if there could be any changes here. Talks between the Health Ministry and the opposition, as well as between the federal government and the states, were scheduled for Monday. In the end, however, it did not seem like an agreement between the coalition and the SPÖ or Neos. A recession of the FPÖ can be ruled out in view of its course.

(APA / Red.)