Chancellor Kurz: “The latest measure is a second blockade”



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The federal government has announced that it intends to take more restrictive measures if the number of infections continues to rise. “We have an exponential growth in huge increase.”

If Covid 19 infections continue to rise, the government wants to counter it with more restrictive measures. “The higher the number of infections, the more restrictive measures are needed,” said Federal Chancellor Sebastian. Short (ÖVP) after the Council of Ministers on the national holiday. It’s about preventing an overload of intensive care medicine. “The last measure is a second blockade,” he said. Short, who came with Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens) to his live televised appearance in patriotic red-white-red masks.

“We have massive, exponential growth. That is an extreme challenge. The situation is, even for those who still do not want to believe it, very, very serious,” he emphasized. Short. In this sense, it trusts the assessment of the virologist Elisabeth Puchhammer-Stöckl, who also advises the Foreign Ministry. In an email made public Sunday, the doctor warned members of the Health Ministry’s Corona working group about the uncontrolled spread.

If that doesn’t slow down, action will have to be taken, he said. Short. “No country in the world, not even the Republic of Austria, will allow intensive care medicine to be overwhelmed and people can no longer be treated.” In principle, however, “as much freedom as possible and as little restriction as necessary” applies.

“It’s a different holiday, a holiday with restrictions,” Kurz said. Together with Kogler, he appealed to the population to continue to comply with the measures of the crown. “Regardless of whether you believe in Corona and consider it dangerous or harmless, everyone will have to do their part,” Kurz said. Kogler thanked everyone who helped and said, “These days, loving home means sticking together.”

Military service should be more attractive

At its ministerial meeting on the national holiday, the government also decided on several measures to make militia service and basic military service in the armed forces more attractive. For example, the military who report to the military will receive an additional 400 euros per month in the future.

“The pandemic has again made us aware that stability and security are only possible with a functioning armed forces,” Kurz said. Therefore, the government has initiated a strengthening of military training in basic military service and easier access to military service, including better financial compensation.

First, military officials should have as few restrictions as possible in the future and shorten the training period. Assistance services should be reduced as much as possible and the focus of basic military service training should be “clearly on the operational role and appointment as militiamen.” The special skills of basic military servants, such as above-average computer skills, should be used to the best of their ability during basic military service, as well as in the military role, and should be further promoted or expanded.

Anyone who volunteers for the militia during basic military service agrees to complete 30 days of militia exercises after completing basic military service and, in return, receives a monthly recognition bonus of around 400 euros from the third month of training.

Incentives for the formation of militia cadres

In addition, training for militia cadres should be more attractive during military service. Soldiers who voluntarily report on militia exercises during basic military service may also complete portions of militia cadre training as part of basic training. This is supported by an additional system of financial incentives of around 200 euros per month.

Furthermore, beginning in spring 2021, long-term assistance missions, which can be permanently planned and spanning several weeks, such as assistance from border security police, will no longer be provided by military officials. basic, but by professional soldiers or militiamen. This does not affect operations required at short notice, such as disaster operations or operations in the course of the corona pandemic.

An improvement of the position paths (keyword: post as a preventive exam) and a strengthening of military training in the course of basic military service are also announced. Additionally, digital maturity and fake news recognition, integration will be promoted through needs-based German courses and political education.

SPÖ wants “show of force”, FPÖ criticizes staging

In view of the national holiday, the SPÖ is calling for a “national show of force” to combat the corona pandemic. “The government must take central responsibility for crisis management. Moderation alone is not enough,” said SP leader Pamela Rendi-Wagner via Facebook. In addition, it is important to carefully weigh between protecting health and protecting civil liberties.

Criticism of the staging of the festivities came from the FPÖ. “The government and the federal president are completing their standard program on today’s national holiday,” but the population must stay home, FP club boss Herbert Kickl criticized in a broadcast. He called on the government to prepare Austrians for a life with the coronavirus and to expand medical care.

In view of the national holiday, the Neos once again advocated a common European army. Neutrality was previously necessary, said Vice Club boss Nikolaus Scherak at ORF, but: “It’s very simple that the world has continued to develop. This discussion must be faced.

(WHAT)

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