Austrian President Van der Bellen: Resignations first steps, early elections as soon as possible

AUSTRIA, (Patria) - Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen said tonight in an address to the public following the corruption scandal involving Vice Chancellor of Austria and leader of the right-wing Freedom Party (FPO) Heinz-Christian Strache, who resigned today, that "the actions of certain members of the Austrian government have lost trust in institutions and tarnished Austria's reputation." During the day, Strache's close associate Johann Gudenus also resigned.

The Austrian President believes that early elections are inevitable because the images that have been visible since last night showed bad behavior that does not suit the country or its citizens.

"These are shameful images, and no one in Austria should be ashamed. We are not like that, Austria is not like that. What those images show is a blatant disrespect for citizens. Officials of the Republic have abused the trust of citizens, and I do not tolerate that," the President emphasized.

Van der Bellen stressed that citizens must have the ability to rely on the government, state officials, and institutions.

"We must all have trust in institutions, because they are the foundation of democracy. If that trust is shaken, then the functioning of the government is called into question, and that is now the case. The situation is currently unclear, but I see it as my responsibility to ensure that our country is stably led through the coming weeks. In that spirit, I have agreed with Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on early elections. Tomorrow I will agree on further steps with him," he announced.

According to him, everything necessary must now be done to restore citizens' trust.

Today's resignations are only the first steps, he said, adding that a clear and full investigation by executive and judicial authorities is needed. He also pointed out the central role that independent media play in a liberal democracy, adding that in this case they have fully assumed their responsibility.

"Our citizens have the right to a government they can trust, one that enjoys a reputation in Europe and the entire world. Whoever voters give their trust to must perform their duty in that spirit," the Austrian President concluded.

Incidentally, during the day, Chancellor Kurz also announced early elections as soon as possible.