U-Committee: Coalition Will "Dispute" FPÖ's Request

The FPÖ wants to ask the Constitutional Court (VfGH) for clarification. The ÖVP relies on legal opinions from Christoph Bezemek and Mathis Fister, who doubt the legal correctness of the Freedom Party's request. According to the inquiry committee rules, the subject of the investigation must be a "specific completed process in the area of federal execution." Bezemek does not recognize this. In his assessment, the subject of the investigation remains vague and undefined. Fister calls the request inadmissible because it concerns neither a "specific" nor a "completed" process in the area of federal execution.

Hanger Proposes Two Separate Inquiry Committees

For Hanger, the two expert opinions commissioned by the ÖVP speak clearly. It is now up to the FPÖ to design the request so that it complies legally. Specifically, he suggests dealing with the two different topics in their own inquiry committees, which would then of course take place consecutively.

Hanger emphasized that it is important to him that the legal framework is respected: "That's why we are contesting this FPÖ committee." The right of a minority to introduce a committee will be respected - "but everything within the framework of legally correct handling."

The request was already submitted by the FPÖ in May. It is supposed to deal with the investigations into the death of the former justice section head Pilnacek on one hand, and the government's Corona measures on the other. An alleged "intimidation" of critics, for example by the Ministry of the Interior, is supposed to serve as a thematic link.

FPÖ's Reaction

The FPÖ reacted calmly to the announcement on Tuesday. In the event of a rejection, they will turn to the VfGH, which has to make a decision within four weeks, announced the Freedom Party's General Secretary Christian Hafenecker at a press conference. To immediately implement the decision expected in August, the FPÖ could then, according to Hafenecker, request a special session of the National Council.

Should the VfGH deem the subject unconstitutional against FPÖ expectations, they will conduct two inquiry committees consecutively - one on the Pilnacek case, one on Corona. Hafenecker ironically welcomed the fact that Hanger himself acknowledged the necessity for two inquiry committees against the ÖVP. The FPÖ also wants to continue advocating for the possibility of video transmission from inquiry committees until the fall.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.