Stocker Initiative on Human Rights: NEOS File the Matter Away

The head of government had received criticism from his coalition partners for this. The matter is now "settled" after a conversation, said NEOS club chairman Yannick Shetty before the Council of Ministers on Wednesday. In the future, they want to coordinate better, as it was not an action of the government, but of the Federal Chancellor.

Stocker Signed Letter

The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) has constitutional status in Austria and is not questioned by anyone, not even by the Federal Chancellor, said Shetty. He had signed a letter calling for a change in the interpretation of the ECHR to make it easier to deport foreign criminals. A total of nine EU countries participated in the initiative. In any case, more order and control in asylum policy is needed, said Shetty.

National Council member Stephanie Krisper (NEOS) had previously described Stocker's initiative as a "solo effort," while her SPÖ colleague Petra Bayr called it "very problematic" to the APA. Justice Minister Anna Sporrer (SPÖ) said on Wednesday that she does not assume that the principle that human rights apply equally to all people will be abandoned. She advocated focusing on the implementation of the joint EU asylum pact, which will come into force in 2026.

Greens Criticize

The Greens accused the NEOS and the SPÖ of caving in to the ÖVP's solo effort. This shows "how serious NEOS and SPÖ really are about human rights," said Justice spokeswoman Alma Zadić, after all, the letter signed by Stocker still exists. Additionally, the Greens criticized the party leaders Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) and Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ) for their silence on the issue.

Plakolm Also Commented

Integration and EU Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP), on the other hand, spoke of a cross-party initiative at the EU level, intended to stimulate a joint discussion. In the deportation of criminals, states are often tied. The best rule of law is of no use if it cannot be protected and criminal asylum seekers cannot be deported. It is not about influencing courts, she emphasized.

(APA/Red)

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