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Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler (Green) continues to campaign for Austria to accept 100 refugee families from Greek camps, especially on the island of Lesbos. And he does not skimp on criticizing the coalition partner: “I am surprised that the VP, at least as a Christian-oriented party, does not show empathy,” Kogler said yesterday.
Living conditions in the Greek refugee camps are miserable. Several Austrian bishops asked the government at Christmas to help and welcome the people from these camps.
Interior Minister Karl Nehammer (VP) had recently said: “I understand that anyone whose heart breaks when they see in pictures how children live on earth. But I have not yet solved a problem with emotion.”
“Politics also needs sentiment”
“Politics must also be given with feeling and above all based on values,” Kogler replied. “The analysis shows that this is a humanitarian emergency, an emergency situation in which first aid must be provided.”
The Greens had already spoken with the Minister of the Interior, Nehammer, and had explained a plan to him on how Austria could legally manage the admission of families from the island of Lesbos, for example through family reunification. Kogler again pointed out that there are also more and more political vice presidents who are in favor of receiving refugees from Greek camps. “Possibly the majority in the vice presidency will soon look different, at least we are working towards it,” Kogler said.
In addition to church dignitaries like Cardinal Christoph Schnborn, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen also called for “first aid” and “humanity” on Christmas Eve. Especially for children there, you have to set an example. Cardinal Schnborn said the “bad thing” is that these people have become “part of a political game.”
