The Constitutional Committee of the National Council today also advised over four opposition applications, which, however, did not find their way into the plenary. For example, the FPÖ speaks to considerably facilitate the maintenance of nationwide referendums. The Greens are concerned with further increase in funding for private broadcasters and better protection of journalists. They also want to increase digital tax and oblige international streaming services to investigate in Austrian film and music production.
After a first discussion, the consultations about the initiatives were postponed, with SPÖ MP Manfred Sams pointed out that the “investment bond” required by the Greens was anchored in the government program. The Ministry of Culture and Finance would work together with the film industry on a model to oblige international streaming services to invest in domestic productions. According to Neos MP Henrike Brandstötter, however, it is not so easy to find a regulation that does not coincide the ORF and other large Austrian media houses. The coalition parties want to advise on the FPÖ application to facilitate referendums as part of the planned “constitutional convent”.
FPÖ wants more referendums
Currently, a nationwide referendum in Austria must be held on a certain concern if the National Council decides. Finally – and so far the only time – this was the case in 2013 when the population was asked whether they wanted to introduce a professional army or maintain general compulsory military service. With a constitutional amendment (135/A) If the FPÖ would now like to change the legal basis for referendums. A third of the MPs or 100,000 eligible voters should be enough to initiate one.
In the debate, Michael Schilchegger (FPÖ) stated that referendums were an important instrument of feedback with the population and could not be replaced by surveys. But he and his faction colleague Harald Stefan consider the existing hurdle for this. This shows the fact that there has only been a single referendum, said Stefan. The exact quores could be discussed, Schilchegger said that one should not put the right to a referendum in the sole hands of the majority of government. Stefan did not accept the argument that politics often have to react quickly and decide laws that this could be done regardless of referendums. Rather, he believes that referendums – like referendum – would be “annoying” to the government parties.
SPÖ and ÖVP want to advise on concerns in the constitutional convention
The removal of the application was justified by SPÖ MP Bernhard Herzog and ÖVP-member Wolfgang Gerstl by advising it in the planned constitutional convention. This convent will also be about the interaction between representative and direct democracy, emphasized Herzog, according to him, there is already “well -developed direct democratic methodology”.
Gerstl commented on a further expansion of direct democracy. In the past, he was a massive advocate of direct democracy, he said, but politics sometimes had to make quick decisions, as the developments would have shown. It is also necessary to prevent direct democratic means from being misused. You can see that in referendums that are used by individual proponents. For a differentiated discussion, green MP Alma Zadić campaigned, considering it important that the first steps come towards the constitutional convention as quickly as possible.
Greens for higher digital tax and “investment obligation”
The Greens regret in their motion for digital tax and “investment” investment (311/A (e)) that the originally planned increase in digital tax was not implemented by the government. They were convinced that at least 50 million ꞓ could have been mobilized for the promotion of quality journalism, media diversity and digital transformation of domestic media. Digital companies such as Google, Meta and Amazon would take advertising money in Austria in a billion dollar height, but they would do little to finance the Austrian media system or the “cultural landscape”.
The Greens therefore also want to oblige international streaming services to target investments in Austrian film and music production or to submit a certain percentage of their sales for this area. Such an “investment bond”, which according to the Greens are already in several European countries, would make sure that those companies that benefit from the Austrian market also invest in its cultural infrastructure. In addition, budget cuts could also be made up for.
Manfred Sams (SPÖ) and Henrike Brandstötter (NEOS) recorded the application that the government was already working on an “investment”. According to Sams, the SPÖ expressly supports this project. However, according to Brandstötter, it is important to prevent the ORF or other large Austrian media houses. The focus is on Netflix and Co. It hopes that a good solution can be found soon.
As far as digital tax is concerned, Brandstötter pointed out that 2024 124.1 million ꞓ – and thus significantly more than 2023 – had been taken and a further increase in income was expected. However, there are “desires of all directions” and it will be difficult to use the money exclusively for the media industry. In addition, it was important to determine funding criteria before thinking about which funding should be distributed the money.
For Gernot Darmann (FPÖ) there is “the devil in detail” in the promotion of quality journalism. A promotion advisory board, which is occupied by the government, currently determines what quality journalism is, and not “the user or the reader”. In his opinion, this opens up to the arbitrary allocation of funding, the door and gate, with the result that it is not the fact that actual quality is not promoted.
Greens want to continue to increase radio promotion
Another concern for the Greens is a further increase in funding for private broadcasters. Specifically, the annual doping of the private circuit fund should be increased from currently 25 million ꞓ to 40 million ꞓ and the non -commercial broadcasting fund from 6.25 million ꞓ to 10 million ꞓ213/A (e)). The problems of the media industry have further exacerbated that the drainage of advertising gelders to international digital corporations would be difficult for the Austrian media, said MP Sigrid Maurer. However, the production of programs with a social added value (public value) is associated with high research and resource use.
NEOS MP Brandstötter commented critically. Two points would be mixed here, she said. On the one hand, it is about the private circuit fund, which in her view, measured by the meaning that private circuit has, is too low at 25 million ꞓ. However, the budget position does not currently allow funding to be granted. In other words, she sees the situation with non-commercial radio and television channels, which she sees quite well promoted in relation to her reporting obligations.
Muna Duzdar recalled that the private circuit fund was only increased to 25 million ꞓ in the last legislative period from 20 million ꞓ. Overall, media funding rose by 88 % between 2019 and 2024. The demand for a linear increase in the increase of funding also seems not very innovative and creative, she said: A total package with a uniform funding strategy and the focus on quality journalism.
FPÖ MP Harald Stefan considered it “astonishing” that the Greens, “in times of saving everywhere”, even with the pensioner: inside, who wanted to increase radio promotion by almost 40 %. In the print area you have already “poured money into the media,” he said. One could get the impression that some wanted to “buy” positive reporting.
Green cause better protection from journalist: inside
The Greens also see the government as required in terms of the better protection of journalists (314/A (e)). Based on recommendations from the European Commission, they are among other things to set up a start-up and coordination office for journalists: to take measures against online violence and hate campaigns online, protect protective concepts for journalists: inside at public events and demonstrations and legal measures against so-called slapp laws other people – to take. Specific protective measures for particularly endangered groups such as women in journalism and investigative journalist: inside, training and further education measures for security forces and administration in dealing with journalists: inside as well as monitoring and early warning systems to collect threats against press freedom should be part of the package of measures.
It is about journalist: on the inside of their work undisturbed, without being intimidated and without the risk of expensive complaints, said Grün-MP Maurer on the committee. Henrike Brandstötter (NEOS) added slapping to make someone to death. Mason, Brandstötter and SPÖ MP Sabine Schatz also see in terms of attacks and hate news, and journalists are particularly at risk. Women are exposed to other attacks than men and would get hate messages much more often, Schatz said.
Concept for clearing position in elaboration
ÖVP MP Thomas Elian pointed out that the creation of secure working conditions for journalists: inside and measures against slapping lawsuits were anchored in the government program. According to the treasure, some measures are already being worked out. It is in the process of implementing the EU recommendations, she said. A concept for a clearing point is already being worked on.
Michael Schilchegger (FPÖ), on the other hand, was skeptical. It is difficult to define what a slapping lawsuit is, he said. Those affected should have the opportunity to defend themselves against false reports or disposal. FPÖ MP Markus Tschank also cannot recognize the need for a special protection of journalist: inside. Journalist: Inside, it would be more and more involved in the political discourse, whoever acted as a political activist would not require any special protection, he argued. (Conclusion of the constitutional committee) GS