Turmoil over corona fund

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The discussion about the Lower Austrian state government's coronavirus relief fund has come to a boil in recent days. As reported, Carinthian anti-vaccination campaigner Martin Rutter wanted to get a slice of the financial pie. According to "Krone" information, there will probably be no payouts to him and his association construct.

The Carinthian anti-corona activist had founded around two dozen associations throughout Lower Austria - and apparently wanted to get his hands on the money from the Corona Fund. After the publication of the curious "register of associations", the political debate boiled over.

Criticism from Health Minister Rauch
Health Minister Johannes Rauch also intervened and criticized the Lower Austrian approach.

"A raised index finger from Vienna is not enough"
Matthias Zauner, regional director of the People's Party of Lower Austria, emphasized in the direction of the Green Health Minister: "It is not enough to point the finger of blame from the Vienna minister's office, because as Health Minister, he naturally bears the main responsibility for the faggotry in Austria. Rauch is failing when it comes to vaccination education, otherwise such associations would not be able to exist due to a lack of supporters!"

"Vaccination education does not mean advertising for the pharmaceutical industry or lecturing, but credible, factual and understandable information at eye level. So far, the minister has been completely invisible. So much so that many people still believe that Rauch is a fruit juice and not a minister!"

24 associations founded in Lower Austria
The bone of contention is Rutter's association based in Carinthia, which is said to have founded at least 24 offshoots in districts and statutory towns in Lower Austria. The fund will support a maximum of three projects per organization with up to 5000 euros each.

Several applications from associations around Rutter have been approved, according to the spokesperson of the responsible provincial councillor Christoph Luisser (FPÖ). None of the money has been disbursed yet. The final disbursement of funding will only take place after a final review to ensure that all requirements have been met and that there is no multiple funding. 

"What Lower Austria certainly does not support are events in which conspiracy theories are spread," said Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Governor of Lower Austria. "In Lower Austria, every payout is put through its paces. And of course I expect the same in this specific case."