SPÖ defense spokesman Robert Laimer reacted with outrage today to the statement by Colonel Michael Bauer, the press spokesman for the ÖVP-led Ministry of Defense. On Friday, September 27, 2024, Bauer quoted from “The Captain of Köpenick” by Carl Zuckmayer in a posting on Twitter: “Darwinism begins from the private upwards. But the human being only begins with the lieutenant.” “Such an inhumane statement from an officer of the Federal Army and ministry spokesman for Defense Minister Tanner cannot be tolerated,” says Laimer. “Shortly after the enormous operation against the flood, in which so many members of the Federal Army “We have done something superhuman to send a tweet like that is just inhumane,” continued Laimer.
Every year, around 27,000 young men enlist as military servants, whom Bauer apparently denies of being human. 13,700 professional soldiers were made contemptible by the tweet. 22,000 militiamen were also insulted. The Federal Army also has 7,000 civilian employees – these are not officers either! “In short: Bauer hits around 70,000 people in the face with his statement,” says Laimer. “Does the ÖVP imagine such a personnel offensive for the service and making basic military service more attractive in the military? Bauer openly insults our recruits while they accept demanding training, hardships at home and abroad and poor pay in order to serve the security of Austria.”
Laimer concluded: “Thank you to all graduates and newly retired lieutenants for taking on this training. Congratulations on that. And good luck as a soldier for your challenging career as a professional officer. Thank you also to every recruit, every private, every non-commissioned officer. Austria’s security needs you! (End) ff/sd
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