Analysis “Science as an object of abuse” from February 18, 2022 by Karin Leitner
Innsbruck (OTS) – By Karin Leitner
It was a change of style. A conscious one. When criticized that Chancellor Sebastian Kurz acted as a virologist, his ÖVP successor Karl Nehammer emphasized at every opportunity that the government would listen to the experts’ findings. It was an affirmation.
Last Monday, ÖVP Minister of Education Martin Polaschek announced that elementary school students no longer had to wear masks on the seat. From February 21, this applies to children and young people of all school types. This decision was not based on the advice of experts, it was a political one. As soon as it was made public, experts got in touch – not in Polaschek’s sense. Even three of the members of the Gecko Commission appointed by the coalition partners – Red Cross Commander Gerry Foitik, the simulation expert Niki Popper and the virologist Andreas Bergthaler – complained about this relaxation. Other experts did the same, such as the virologist Florian Krammer and the epidemiologist Gerald Gartlehner. There are also reservations now, after the end of March 5 for the majority of the corona protection measures, for example from Dorothee von Laer from the University of Innsbruck. Bergthaler does not hide his displeasure again: If expertise is obtained, what has been recommended should be communicated. If scientists state that it is possible to turn left, but the government is turning right, that is their responsibility; it has to be transparent. Even Katharina Reich, head of the Gecko Commission, can see the discomfort. Yes, turquoise-green politicians are in charge. But they also have other motives for their actions than Bergthaler and Co.: What is well received? How do we stand up to the FPÖ and MFG Schwurbler in the run-up to local council and state elections? It is also curious that ÖVP Minister Elisabeth Köstinger told Vienna’s SPÖ Mayor Michael Ludwig via TV to “follow expert opinions”. You and yours don’t. And so the question has to be asked: How much longer will scientists play along?
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