Fischler defends Austrian voters

4 February 2000



Fischler defends Austrian voters

By Philip Clarke

EUROPEAN farm commissioner Franz Fischler has sprung to the defence of his native Austria after a right-wing coalition government was formed in Vienna.

The new government, which was sworn in by Austrias President Klestil, includes the far-right Freedom Party led by Jörg Haider.

Widespread criticism from the European Unions 14 other member states about the move resulted in a statement from Dr Fischler on Friday (4 February).

“Austria is not a stronghold of fascism, of intolerance, but a functioning democracy,” the statement said.

“My fellow countrymen have every right to make up their own democratic mind.”

But Dr Fischler said policies emerging from the new Austrian government would be unacceptable if they were against the fundamental values of the EU.

“Nationalism, anti-foreign feeling and intolerance have no place in our common Europe,” he added.

A separate statement from the coalition government attempted to allay fears that freedom, democracy, and human rights could be at risk in Austria.

Dr Fischler said that the European Commission would be watching Austria closely, while maintaining a working relationship with its politicians.

“It is not the commissions place to isolate a member country,” he said. “Our duty is to prevent any country cutting itself adrift from the rest of Europe.”