“So many in a small room also means so many viruses – but now we don’t care anymore” – this euphoric welcome at the federal party conference of the People’s Party caused a stir. He made no friends with this, especially among those Austrians who still care. Because while the 1000 participants in Graz were no longer subject to Covid rules, supermarket employees still have to clear shelves with an FFP2 mask.
After the wave of indignation, Nehammer now explains in the “Krone”: “The pandemic is not over yet, it is just giving us a breather. Protecting yourself and your fellow human beings is and remains the top priority.”
At the beginning of the speech, the chancellor gave free rein to my emotions, happy that “we can be together again after more than two years of restrictions.” Of course, the pandemic is not over – and vigilance is still the top priority. “Because the virus hit us with great force and violence. It remains dynamic and will be with us for a long time to come.”
The National Council is also still taking care of the mask requirement on Wednesday. In the meantime, a broad alliance has formed against the obligation to wear masks in retail. The trade association, the GPA trade union and the ACSP shopping center association are currently fighting against them, as well as numerous local companies, including Spar, Rewe, Hofer, Lidl, Unimarkt, Müller, dm, Fressnapf and Radatz. They all have no understanding for the Austrian special path. The NEOS want to submit a motion for a resolution in the National Council on Wednesday to lift the mask requirement in all economic sectors. In doing so, they rely on the petition of the trade association “Relieve heroes of the crisis”.
