SPÖ boss Leiter surprised by ÖVP’s sudden U-turn on Sky Shield

The SPÖ Vorarlberg is surprised by reports that the ÖVP is prepared to sacrifice its previous position on the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) and its Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner in order to enable a coalition with the FPÖ. “It is remarkable and at the same time shocking how quickly the ÖVP drops its supposed principles and even a central minister just to be allowed to co-govern under Herbert Kickl,” emphasizes Mario Leiter, club chairman and chairman of the SPÖ Vorarlberg.

Sky Shield: From the red line to bargaining chips

Leiter, who was himself part of the “National Defense” negotiating group in the coalition talks between the SPÖ, ÖVP and NEOS, remembers the intensive discussions about Sky Shield: “The ÖVP made it clear at the time that the purchase of long-range missiles should not be discussed. Over several meetings, the People’s Party strongly insisted that this initiative was essential for national defense. The SPÖ and NEOS went a long way towards meeting the ÖVP on this point and were thus able to reach a consensus with the ÖVP. But now the ÖVP seems ready to cross this supposed red line without further ado. It makes you wonder whether principles and ‘red lines’ are still worth it at the ÖVP.”

Defense Minister Tanner sidelined?

The handling of Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, who was considered the driving force behind Sky Shield and was a negotiating partner for the SPÖ and NEOS, is also questionable. “Apparently the ÖVP is prepared not only to forego important investments in national defense, but also to forego its defense minister in order to maintain coalition peace with the FPÖ. After the Chancellor has already been sidelined, a female minister is now apparently to follow, as can be seen from the media reports. This shows how far the ÖVP is willing to go to stay in power,” said Leiter.

A security risk for Austria

Leiter warns: “National defense must not be reduced to a bargaining chip.”