In a urgent request in the Federal Council, the FPÖ (Freedom Party of Austria) criticizes Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) sharply. The accusation is that her foreign policy burdens Austrian taxpayers unnecessarily, while important domestic challenges such as inflation and state debt remain unresolved. The focus is on payments to Syria and security guarantees for Ukraine.
The Freiheitlichen accuse the minister of endangering Austria’s neutrality. The payments of 19.3 million euros for humanitarian aid in Syria, described as “completely irresponsible” have caused outrage.
In another step, the planned support for Ukraine is criticized, especially in connection with the “Grain from Ukraine” initiative. The FPÖ complains that a company involved in the grain project is registered under the same address as the NEOS party headquarters – which they see as indicating a “shell company” deal.
Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger defends herself against these accusations, emphasizing that Austria, as part of the EU, has become part of the common foreign, security and defense policy. She defends the payments to Syria as necessary humanitarian aid to reduce the migration pressure on Europe. Additionally, she denies any connection between NEOS and the company involved in the grain project.
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