Photo : EPA/BBC
NIAS Europe Daily Brief #08, 11 October 2021, Monday
IN FOCUS
By Joeana Cera Matthews
Austria: The Sebastian Kurz Scandal
On 06 October, Austria witnessed prosecutors raiding the chancellery, the foreign ministry and the headquarters of the conservative People's Party (ÖVP). The raid was conducted after accusations by the Prosecutor's Office for Economic Affairs and Corruption claimed that funds from the Foreign Ministry were misused by ÖVP. This was allegedly done by a tabloid newspaper – Osterreich – between 2016 and 2018 to portray Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in a favourable light. The media house has repeatedly denied allegations against them, saying that they are "evidently serious misunderstandings", while Kurz has maintained that the claims are 'baseless'.
Sebastian Kurz's association with corruption charges is not something new. The continent's youngest leader back in 2017, Kurz has led the Austrian People's Party to victory, after which he became its head. Since then, he transitioned from foreign minister to finally become the Chancellor. However, over the years, Kurz has been the target of a series of allegations; it raises the question of how he achieved the popularity that characterized him.
Since the corruption scandal, Kurz has reiterated his ignorance of any such propaganda and has refused to accept that he violated the law. Legal proceedings may drag on for years affecting his populist image.
Denial and 'chaos prevention'
After claims of corruption were charged, Kurz himself decided to step down and proposed that the Foreign Minister since 2019 – Alexander Schallenberg – take his place as Chancellor. Announcing his resignation, Kurz said: "What's required now is stability. To resolve the impasse I want to step aside to prevent chaos."
Threats from junior coalition partner, the Greens party, to dismantle the government or to back a 12 October no-confidence vote in the parliament, forced Kurz's resignation on 09 October. They requested ÖVP to nominate an "irreproachable person" to replace Kurz. The coalition is expected to hold even after the transition.
The resignation however, as CGTN pointed out, is one that is 'more a matter of form than substance in terms of policy'. He intends to "disprove the allegations" against him while retaining power as head of the ruling party; implying his continuation in parliament. Kurz is most likely to steer the coalition, as Schallenberg is a close ally of his. Schallenberg, who has already had talks with President Alexander Van der Bellen, was sworn into office on 11 October.
A larger European problem?
On 08 October, Van der Bellen addressed the nation and said that: "we have a crisis of government, not a crisis of state." The ÖVP- Greens coalition which came to power in 2020, has been dragged in to several corruption scandals. The manipulation of the political system to produce favourable conditions for leaders is not a singular incident. Despite being well-established populist democracies, countries across Europe saw eminent leaders going down for allegations of corruption. From Nicolas Sarkozy in France to Andrej Babis in Czech Republic, leaders in question had big reputations to go along with. As The Economist stated, Kurz's case proves that systemic corruption is not limited to formerly communist countries.
Although, the existence of corruption in itself points to the lack of a healthy democracy; if one were to see these incidents through rose-coloured glasses, the ability of the rule of law to remove or conduct trials on leaders despite their pristine (or otherwise) reputations could be considered the sign of a healthy democracy.
References:
Marton Eder, "Austria Poised for New Leader Even as Shadow of Kurz Lingers," Bloomberg Quint, 11 October 2021
"Governments fall as the EU battles corruption," The Economist, 10 October 2021
"Austria's Kurz announces resignation amid corruption investigation," CGTN, 10 October 2021
"Austrian chancellor Kurz resigns to save his party's coalition," CGTN, 10 October 2021
"Sebastian Kurz: Austrian leader resigns amid corruption inquiry," BBC, 10 October 2021
"Austria: Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg to take over chancellorship," Deutsche Welle, 10 October 2021
Melissa Eddy, "Sebastian Kurz, Austria's Chancellor, Faces Corruption Probe," The New York Times, 08 October 2021
"Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz being investigated for corruption," CGTN, 06 October 2021
IN BRIEF
By Vaishnavi Iyer
ITALY
Protests erupt over Italy's "green pass"
In Rome, more than 10,000 people gathered to protest the Italian "green pass." From 15 October, every employee in the private and public sectors will be obliged to obtain a 'green pass,' which is a certification. People must indicate that they have had at least one dose of COVID-19 immunization, that they have recovered from the disease, or that they have tested negative. The anti-vaccine demonstration quickly devolved into riots. A total of 12 persons were detained. Right-wing leaders Nuova, Castellino, and Fiore were all present at the protests. Protesters encircled Mario Draghi's office, while a handful stormed the Italian General Confederation of Labour headquarters (CGIL). The masses chanted "freedom" slogans. Condemning the violence, the prime minister pledged trade unions securing workers' rights. People would be punished if they intimidate any trade union member. In a statement issued by this office he said: "The right to demonstrate to support one's ideas can never degenerate into acts of aggression and intimidation," ("Italy: Police arrest far-right leaders after anti-vaccine riots," Deutsche Welle, 10 October 2021)
HUNGARY
Hungary supports Polish court ruling
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban signed a resolution endorsing the Polish court ruling that gave Polish national law precedence over EU laws. The Hungarian resolution accuses the EU of abusing its powers. According to Orban, the Hungarian resolution is the result of "bad practice by European institutions." Part of the resolution states: "Efforts are being made to deprive member states of powers they never ceded to the EU without amending the EU treaties and through creeping extensions of competences." ("Hungary: Orban signs resolution supporting Polish court ruling," Deutsche Welle, 10 October 2021)
SPAIN
La Palma volcano partially collapses
Spain's National Geological Institute (ING) has been monitoring a new lava flow in the island of La Palma. The volcano has been erupting for the past three weeks. In the villages of Mazo, Fuencaliente, and El Paso, 21 seismic movements were detected. The largest earthquake measured 3.8 on the Richter scale. The eruption has resulted in a large lava flow, some of which has reached the ocean. Some of the volcanic material made its way into the ocean, forming a 38-hectare land. Because of toxic gases, authorities have sealed off the maritime area. According to reports, if the new land continues to grow, it may break off into the sea, causing explosions, large waves, and gas emissions. (Silvio Castellanos and Juan Medina, "Lava blocks the size of buildings falling from La Palma volcano," Reuters, 10 October 2021)
GERMANY
Merkel makes her final trip to Israel
Angela Merkel made her final trip to Israel as Germany's Chancellor. This was her eighth trip to the country during her 16-year presidency. She stated that the security of Israel is the top priority for "every German government". Israel has received widespread support throughout her tenure. She paid a visit to Jerusalem's Holocaust memorial after meeting with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Laying a wreath at the memorial, she expressed her gratitude and support for the Jewish life that found "a home again in Germany" after the Holocaust atrocities. Bennet emphasized Germany's genuine friendship while praising Merkel's leadership. Israel also expressed its desire to enter into deeper bilateral ties with Germany in business relations, science, education, health, and security. During the visit, Merkle called for Russian and Chinese cooperation to address Iran's nuclear deal ("Merkel touts Germany-Israel relations at Bennett meeting," Deutsche Welle, 10 October 2021).
POLAND
Rallies over Polexit rumours
Polexit speculations sparked protests in Warsaw's historic centre. Protesters chanted "we are staying!", "We are Europeans!" in a display of defiance. Thousands of people gathered to protest in Castel Square, which quickly extended to other parts of Poland. Donald Tusk has encouraged people to protest in response to a new Polish law that supersedes EU laws. Tusk told the Polish people that a "pseudo court" would decide to expel Poland from the EU, which would be against the Polish Constitution. "We want a free, law-abiding, democratic, and fair Poland," he stated. Analysts say there is widespread opposition to leaving the EU, but there is still no solution to the disputes over Poland's access to the EU funds. Following a warning from the EU Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni that the court case could affect the disbursement of Poland's pandemic recovery funding, Warsaw has accused the EU of "blackmail." The money could be given next month, according to EU officials, but only under rigorous law conditions. ("Poles rally to defend EU membership amid fear of 'Polexit'" Al Jazeera, 10 October 2021)
CLIMATE CHANGE
Belgium: Brussels witnesses climate change protests
Climate protesters, some without masks, took to the streets of Belgium dressed as endangered animals. With banners in multiple languages, the demonstrators demanded climate justice. "Politicians die of old age, Rosa died of climate change," read a banner referring to the death of a child in Europe due to torrential rains and floods. Thousands of people attended the protests, representing over 80 different organizations. At least 25,000 marchers were estimated by police, while organizers put the number at 70,000. The demonstration was the largest in Brussels since the outbreak began. The protests took place as a result of youth activists and environmentalists believing that politicians will fail to propose climate-friendly policies at the COP26 summit. ("Thousands march in Brussels to demand climate justice,' "Al Jazeera, 10 October 2021)