"Scandal" in the state parliament

FPÖ outraged: no welcome for Norbert Hofer

Hofer attended the meeting as a visitor. This went partly unnoticed.(Bild: FPÖ Burgenland)

Freedom Party members criticize the red state parliament president in Burgenland for alleged lack of politeness - but it's not really his fault.

There was one silent spectator in the visitors' gallery at the last session of the Burgenland state parliament. Norbert Hofer, Third President of the National Council and top candidate of the FPÖ, attended part of the session in Eisenstadt. However, he was not officially welcomed.

Disrespect?
Even though he holds one of the highest offices in Austria, as FPÖ provincial party secretary Daniel Jägerbauer criticizes. He therefore accuses SPÖ provincial parliament president Robert Hergovich of disrespect, as every school class and senior citizens' group is also greeted in the visitors' galleries.

Surprise at the President's office
The office of the President of Parliament, however, rejects the criticism with surprise. At the time, the Second President of Parliament, Walter Temmel (ÖVP), was in the chair - and the FPÖ was aware of this. As a matter of principle, the utmost importance is always attached to treating everyone equally, it is emphasized.

Accidental "mishap"
Temmel admits the "mishap". He had only seen Hofer when he left the chair again and had not been made aware of his presence beforehand. Otherwise he would naturally have greeted Hofer.