Word: austria
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...March 4, Jrg Haider's far-right Freedom Party joined a coalition with the conservative People's Party to form what one columnist called Austria's first "underground government"--referring to the fact that to be sworn in, the new government had to use a secret tunnel joining its offices with the President's residence to avoid facing demonstrators on the square above. The next day, the 14 other member nations of the European Union (EU) downgraded Austria's diplomatic status, the U.S. temporarily called back its ambassador for consultations in Washington and Israel withdrew its entire embassy...
...respect for democracy and the EU's lack thereof. His party's finance minister can now also justify the threats of using the American tactic of waiting with the payment of dues to international organizations, and Haider even has a basis for calling for a general referendum whether Austria should remain in the EU or not. Ending the long period of denial in the EU, member states are finally coming to terms with their miscalculation. After the last meeting of all 15 foreign ministers, Austria's foreign minister proudly proclaimed that at least six EU members openly showed their uneasiness...
...Maybe we can put all this into perspective. The French government supports sanctions against Austria because of what Haider said about Hitler's actions fifty years ago. The French government also supported the Hutu regime in the years leading up to the worst genocide our own generation has seen. In June 1994, France allowed the killing of Tutsis to continue for another month, and the French involvement even helped the genocidal Hutu leadership to cross safely into the neighboring Congo...
...then again, he might just come out ahead in this struggle. President Clinton also managed to raise his approval ratings amidst all the allegations around his private life. Anyway, falling in love, getting divorced and remarrying while holding a public office is not all that uncommon. Thomas Klestil, Austria's current President, did exactly that, and he's in his second term now--after being reelected right between his divorce and his second marriage...
...Austria's electoral support of the Freedom Party and South Carolina's flying of the Confederate flag have led both to be vilified. This vilification has been successful, as Jorgen Haider has resigned and the rebel flag will soon be furled in Columbia...