FPÖ Proposes Walter Rosenkranz as Chair of Inquiry Committee
The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) has put forward Walter Rosenkranz, the President of the National Council and a party colleague, as the prospective chair of the upcoming inquiry committee focusing on the Interior Ministry. FPÖ General Secretary Christian Hafenecker expressed confidence in Rosenkranz's suitability for the role, citing his legal background and lack of connections to the Interior Ministry, which eliminates any potential biases.
Hafenecker noted that the party hopes to gain at least partial support from the Greens, with whom preliminary discussions have already taken place regarding the inquiry. The FPÖ aims to limit the scope of the investigation to events from the last government term, specifically addressing issues surrounding the death of former Justice Department section chief Christian Pilnacek, as well as the government's COVID-19 measures. Currently, the legal requirements for initiating the inquiry are under internal review, with plans to present the proposal during the plenary session scheduled for April 24.
When it comes to forming alliances, Hafenecker expressed skepticism about partnering with the ruling parties, including the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, as diverging from the coalition agreement could jeopardize their governance. However, he remains optimistic about engaging with the Greens, particularly concerning the Pilnacek case, although he anticipates resistance on COVID-related matters.
Regarding the duration of the inquiry, Hafenecker emphasized that they would utilize the full allotted time, given that they are not nearing the end of a legislative term. The FPÖ is mostly satisfied with the current regulations governing inquiry committees, but Hafenecker has indicated a desire for some public broadcasting of witness testimonies, particularly those individuals who are already publicly recognized. The inquiry will focus exclusively on events from the previous legislative period.
Expected witnesses include former Chancellor Karl Nehammer and current Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, both affiliated with the ÖVP. The FPÖ is also preparing for the possibility of a counter-inquiry from the ÖVP, potentially concerning alleged connections to Russia, although Hafenecker maintains a relaxed attitude towards such developments.
In response to criticisms regarding the FPÖ's references to a "deep state" in relation to the upcoming inquiry, Hafenecker remarked that if such terminology is deemed extremist, the party will accept that characterization. He pointed out the irony in the fact that those labeled as "extremists" were responsible for exposing the Lucona affair in the past, drawing parallels between that and the current Pilnacek situation.