Sir, - I am confounded and alarmed at the sheer extent of international negative press Austria is receiving. This backlash has led to daily demonstrations (verging on riots many evenings) on the streets of Vienna, which until now has enjoyed a very high level of safety and social cohesion.
As a very happy Irish resident (who has always felt very welcome in Austria), based in Vienna since 1994, I think I have gained an insight into the real situation.
This problem could be the "tip of the iceberg" as the EU enlarges to embrace the fragile, emerging market democracies in eastern Europe.
Austria is not in need of a lesson in democracy. What does Mrs Albright mean by the US responding "firmly and forcefully" if Austria were to deviate from democratic standards? This is not another Serbia!
The reason for Dr Haider's popularity is not that Austria is brimming with Nazi supporters, but that many voters wanted to protest at the cosy 30 year-domination by the Social Democrats.
The international interference has now made the Freedom Party hugely popular (which is contrary to what the EU wanted). In a new poll, 70 per cent of Austrians back the coalition government. How would the Irish feel if bureaucrats in Brussels started to dictate domestic Irish politics?
The 14 EU member countries are clearly interfering in the democratic process of a fellow member state. The OVP (the other coalition member) is considering taking legal action at the European Court of Justice. The damage to a small open economy is immeasurable. Direct foreign investment and tourism are extremely important and already the consequences are being felt.
Austria's fear of excessive numbers from abroad is understandable. We should not forget that there is a vast gap between standards of living in Austria and Eastern Europe. For example, the average salary in Hungary is $330, in the Czech Republic $290, in Slovakia $260, in Moldova $55 and in Romania $80. One cannot instantly open the doors of the EU to very weak economies. This has to be carefully planned and in many stages.
I do feel that Dr Haider (whom I would define as a chameleon and a populist) and his party need to be carefully observed. Nevertheless, the EU and the USA should not "jump the gun" and immediately start imposing severe sanctions.
Finally, as I am an Irish citizen, readers will not automatically jump to the conclusion that I am a Nazi. Unfortunately, however, many people outside of Austria and Germany would probably automatically label a native of Austria a Nazi for making the above statements. The Austrians and Germans should never be permitted to bury past atrocities. But they should also be given a fair chance! - Yours, etc., David McDermott,
Pohlgasse, Vienna, Austria.